American Airlines flight aborts takeoff in Miami after business jet enters the same runway

June 28, 2026 - 11:53

An American Airlines flight bound for Bermuda was forced to abort its takeoff at Miami International Airport on Saturday evening after a business jet entered the same runway without clearance. The incident brought the two aircraft within roughly a third of a mile of each other at their closest point, according to preliminary reports.

The American Airlines jet, which was accelerating for departure, had to brake hard and stop on the runway as air traffic controllers scrambled to resolve the conflict. The business jet, a smaller private aircraft, had apparently been instructed to hold short of the runway but instead crossed onto the active surface. No injuries were reported, and both aircraft were able to return to the gate or taxi to a safe area after the event.

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the near-miss. Such runway incursions remain a persistent safety concern in the United States, though serious collisions are rare due to improved technology and strict procedures. Saturday's incident is the latest in a series of close calls at major airports that have drawn scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers.

Passengers on the American Airlines flight were rebooked on later departures. The airline has not yet commented on whether any disciplinary action will be taken against the crew of the business jet.