American Airlines has made the decision to indefinitely suspend all flights to Haiti, citing escalating safety concerns and rising tensions in the country. The suspension comes after a series of incidents, including gunfire targeting planes, which have raised alarm over the safety of air travel to Haiti.
Initially, the U.S.-based airline had temporarily halted its daily flights from Miami to Port-au-Prince until February 12. However, the suspension is now open-ended, with no specific timeline for resumption. This decision follows an order from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which prohibited U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after a series of gunfire incidents in Haitian airspace.
In one such incident, on November 11, 2023, three planes were struck by gunfire while flying over Haitian airspace, with an American Airlines flight being directly hit while departing from Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The FAA’s subsequent ban on flights to Haiti has deeply impacted U.S. airlines, with American Airlines leading the suspension.
The airline emphasized that safety and security were the primary factors behind the decision, and while no resumption date has been set, American Airlines will continue to monitor the situation. The airline has expressed its commitment to Haiti, where it has operated for over 50 years, and will consider resuming services in 2025 based on safety, security, and demand assessments.
American Airlines also stated that it would proactively contact affected customers, offering full refunds for their itineraries. This marks a significant disruption to travel between the U.S. and Haiti, particularly for Haitian communities relying on these flights.
In addition to American Airlines, Spirit Airlines has also suspended its flights to Haiti. The carrier had also been involved in the gunfire incident in November but has not yet announced an extension of its suspension. The FAA’s restrictions and the suspension of flights by several private and cargo airlines have left Haitians with limited options for air travel.
The ongoing instability in Haiti, marked by gang control over key roads and the country’s strained transportation infrastructure, has further exacerbated the situation. With armed gangs blocking vital routes, many people seeking to leave Port-au-Prince have been forced to rely on expensive private helicopters or government-issued flights meant for security personnel. Additionally, severe weather and landslides have compounded the challenges, leaving Haitians with few options for safe travel.
As the situation in Haiti continues to evolve, both airlines and passengers will be closely watching for updates on the resumption of services, while the country remains in a state of uncertainty amid growing violence and instability.
Sources By Agencies
