Orlando International Airport (MCO) announced Sunday that it is receiving several flights originally scheduled for Miami International Airport (MIA) after a cargo aircraft overran the runway at the south‑Florida hub. The airport posted on its official X account that it is working to accommodate the diverted traffic while MIA’s runways and taxiways remain closed for investigation and cleanup.
What happened at Miami?
At approximately 2 p.m. on Sunday, an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane attempted to land at MIA but failed to stop before the end of the runway. The aircraft struck multiple vehicles on a service road surrounding the airport and crashed, killing at least five people. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Preliminary audio from air‑traffic control, reviewed by CNN, shows the pilots did not declare an emergency prior to the landing attempt. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened a fact‑finding mission, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will conduct its own investigation.
Orlando’s response
In a statement, MCO officials urged all passengers who have been rerouted to Orlando to cooperate with their airlines to reach their final destinations. “We ask travelers to be patient during this period and to follow airline instructions,” the airport said. The airport also reminded outbound passengers to verify their flight status before heading to MCO, as some departures may be delayed while the airport manages the unexpected influx.
Orlando’s airport operations team has activated additional staff and ground‑handling resources to minimize disruption. Gate assignments, baggage handling and parking logistics are being adjusted in real time to accommodate the extra flights.
Impact on travelers
Airlines operating out of MCO are working to rebook passengers on later flights or provide alternate routing when possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor airline communications, use airline apps, and stay alert for any changes to gate numbers or departure times.
While the situation adds a temporary strain on Orlando’s facilities, airport officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that the airport is prepared to handle the surge without compromising security protocols.
Next steps
The NTSB and FAA will release further details as the investigation proceeds. In the meantime, MCO will continue to serve as a critical backup hub for the region, ensuring that travelers can still reach their destinations despite the disruption at Miami.
Passengers with concerns or questions should contact their airline directly or visit the Orlando International Airport website for the latest updates.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
