American Airlines Flight Aborts Takeoff in Miami After Business Jet Enters Same Runway
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, bringing the two aircraft within a third of a mile of each other at their closest point.
American Airlines Flight 308 had already received clearance to begin its takeoff roll when the flight crew spotted another aircraft on the runway, prompting an immediate abort, an airline spokesperson told CNN.
The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. ET, triggered a tense exchange between the business jet pilot and an air traffic controller, according to audio from LiveATC.com.
“You just crossed an active runway,” the controller said.
“You just told me to cross the runway, sir,” the pilot replied.
“No, we said Amerijet 461,” the controller responded.
The business jet involved, NetJets Flight EJA434, was being operationally controlled by a third-party maintenance vendor at the time of the incident, the private aviation company confirmed. The vendor, which handles aircraft movements on the ground, mistakenly interpreted the controller’s clearance intended for a different aircraft.
This aborted takeoff is the latest in a series of aviation safety incidents ahead of the busy Fourth of July travel period. On Friday, a United Airlines passenger jet narrowly avoided a drone while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport, the pilot reported.
“We appreciate the quick actions of our crew members and thank our customers for their understanding,” American Airlines said in a statement. The flight later departed for Bermuda without further incident, the spokesperson added.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been contacted for comment. The agency is expected to review the runway incursion as part of its ongoing scrutiny of ground operations, which have come under increased attention following several close calls at U.S. airports in recent months.
Runway incursions — when an aircraft or vehicle enters a runway without authorization — remain one of the most serious risks in aviation, and the FAA has been working with airlines and airports to improve safety protocols. The incident in Miami underscores the critical importance of clear communication between pilots and controllers, especially during high-traffic periods.
This is a developing story and will be updated.