Miami International Airport does not have an arresting system to stop aircraft that overrun its runway, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed on September 7, 2026. The FAA notes that more than 120 airports across the United States have installed such safety devices.
An arresting system is a built‑in mechanism that can quickly decelerate an aircraft that passes the end of a runway, helping to prevent damage to the aircraft and injury to passengers and crew. The technology typically consists of a series of cables and energy‑absorbing devices that engage the aircraft’s landing gear, bringing it to a halt within a short distance.
According to FAA data, over 120 U.S. airports have adopted arresting systems as part of their runway safety infrastructure. These installations are often found at locations where runway length, surrounding terrain, or traffic volume increase the risk of overruns. The agency’s reports indicate that the devices have been used successfully in a number of incidents, reducing the severity of outcomes when aircraft exceed runway limits.
Miami International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest hubs, currently lacks this equipment. The FAA has not indicated any immediate plans to add an arresting system at the Miami facility, though it continues to monitor runway safety standards nationwide. The absence of the system means that pilots and airport operators must rely on existing runway length, runway end safety areas, and other procedural safeguards to mitigate overrun risks.
The FAA’s disclosure underscores a broader trend of airports evaluating and upgrading runway safety measures. While more than 120 airports have embraced arresting systems, the decision to install them remains at the discretion of individual airport authorities, who weigh factors such as cost, space, and operational needs against the potential safety benefits.