American Airlines is set to resume flights to Haiti after more than a year of suspension. Starting November 1, the airline will provide daily nonstop service between Miami and Cap-Haïtien. This announcement marks a return to a location it began servicing in 2014 before ceasing operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The carrier had initially stopped flying to Haiti in December 2024, following a decision by the Federal Aviation Administration to ban U.S. commercial flights to Port-au-Prince due to safety concerns involving aircraft encountering gang-related gunfire.
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé, currently in Boston for Haiti’s FIFA World Cup appearance after a 52-year gap, expressed optimism for the country’s achievements. He noted the promising start for Haiti on the global soccer stage and American Airlines’ return.
The service will operate a Boeing 737 with a seating capacity of 172, including 156 main cabin seats and 16 business class seats. This move comes amidst suspended flights to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, as gang violence remains a significant issue.
Previously, Spirit Airlines was the main carrier flying to Cap-Haïtien. During the suspension, Haitians have relied on Sunrise Airways and other regional connections, often paying higher fares. New entrants like Zed Airlines and expanded routes from Sunrise Airways provided alternatives.
American Airlines acknowledged the substantial passenger demand for Haiti, especially from South Florida, home to the largest Haitian-American community. New York City and Orlando residents will benefit from improved access through convenient connections.
The airline is expanding its services further to include Venezuela, with daily Miami-Maracaibo flights starting July 14. Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava welcomed these changes, highlighting the economic and familial benefits, reinforcing Miami International Airport’s status as a key international hub.
American Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer Nat Piepe emphasized their commitment to meeting travelers’ needs by offering the most comprehensive network in the region. The airline now services 100 destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America, with Miami serving as the main hub for this extensive network.
Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s Senior Vice President of MIA Operations, celebrated the resumption of service as a significant development, enhancing connections between Miami and regions such as Haiti and Venezuela.