MIAMI – American Airlines (AA) has indefinitely suspended its daily flights from Miami (MIA) to Port-au-Prince (PAP), Haiti, amid rising safety concerns. Initially paused until February 12, 2024, AA has now announced there is no set timeline for resumption, citing escalating security issues in the region.
An airline spokesperson confirmed this and also stated that American Airlines plans to revisit the possibility of resuming flights in late 2025. Moreover, passengers impacted by the suspension will be offered full refunds.
“American has made the difficult decision to suspend daily service between Miami (MIA) and Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP). We are proud of our more than 50-year commitment to Haiti and will continue to assess safety, security, and customer demand before deciding on a return.”
American Airlines Spokesperson.
Photo: By tjdarmstadt – IMG_0229.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61530116Safety Concerns Force Industry-Wide Cancellations
This decision follows a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive prohibiting U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after three aircraft were struck by gunfire in November. Alongside AA, other carriers including JetBlue Airways (B6) and Spirit Airlines (NK), have also suspended their Haiti operations.
No injuries were reported from the gunfire incidents, but escalating risks in Haitian airspace have forced the airlines to adjust their flight schedules.
Photo: Clément AlloingImpact on Haiti’s Connectivity
The suspension of commercial flights has severely disrupted passengers traveling to and from Haiti. According to CBS News, Armed gangs control major roadways leading in and out of Port-au-Prince, while mudslides recently blocked two important routes connecting the capital to the northern city of Cap-Haïtien.
Travelers seeking to leave Port-au-Prince have resorted to limited and costly alternatives. Government-leased helicopters have been prioritizing moving security forces, while privately leased helicopters charge a hefty price with stringent weight restrictions.
With Toussaint Louverture International Airport essentially cut off, the smaller Hugo Chavez International Airport (CAP) in Cap-Haïtien has become Haiti’s sole remaining gateway for international flights. However, service is limited, and the airspace between Haiti and neighboring countries, including the Dominican Republic, remains closed.
For now, Sunrise Airways (S6), a Haitian carrier, remains the only airline operating direct flights to the U.S., although options are scarce and demand far outpaces supply.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
Spirit Airlines Flight Reported Gunfire while Landing in Haiti, Attendant Injured
The post American Airlines Suspends Miami to Haiti Flight Operations appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
