American Airlines Resumes Service to Haiti

American Airlines will once again offer flights to Haiti. The airline had not flown to the country for more than a year but announced on Friday that it will resume daily nonstop service between Miami and Cap-Haïtien, starting November 1. The airline had served the Haitian market for over 50 years before suspending daily operations to Port-au-Prince due to safety concerns.

In December 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) placed a ban on U.S. commercial airlines flying into the Haitian capital due to incidents involving gunfire at aircraft. In 2014, American Airlines had been the first major carrier to fly into Cap-Haïtien’s airport after runway repairs were completed but halted the service in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

American’s return to Cap-Haïtien coincides with ongoing suspensions of flights to Haiti’s main airport, Toussaint Louverture International Airport, because of increased gang violence in Port-au-Prince. Prior to this suspension, Spirit Airlines was the only significant carrier flying into Cap-Haïtien from Fort Lauderdale. Due to these travel disruptions, many Haitians have had to pay higher fares, using services like Sunrise Airways and Zed Airlines to reach the country.

In a statement, American Airlines highlighted Haiti as the largest Caribbean market currently unserved by a U.S. airline, taking note of the considerable Haitian-American population in South Florida, as well as in cities like New York City and Orlando. These communities will benefit from improved connections to Cap-Haïtien.

Alongside Haiti, American Airlines is increasing its flight services to Venezuela. Daily flights between Miami International Airport and Maracaibo will begin on July 14.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava praised the airline for resuming services, stating it will help reconnect families, boost economic opportunities, and strengthen links between South Florida and these international destinations. The resumption of American Airlines flights reinforces Miami International Airport’s role as a prominent international hub.

Nat Piepe, American Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the airline’s dedication to serving travelers’ needs by offering the most extensive regional network. The airline services 100 destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s Senior Vice President of MIA Operations, remarked that the Miami hub serves as the central point for travel to the Caribbean and Latin America, highlighting the airline’s comprehensive connection network.