American Airlines Resumes Flights to Haiti and Expands to Venezuela

American Airlines is set to resume its services to Haiti. The U.S.-based airline announced it would restart daily nonstop flights between Miami and Cap-Haitien starting November 1. The airline had previously halted flights to Haiti over a year ago.

For over 50 years, American Airlines operated routes to Haiti before stopping daily flights to Port-au-Prince. Operations were indefinitely halted in December 2024 due to a ban imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. This followed incidents of aircraft being hit by gang gunfire in the Haitian capital.

In 2014, American became the first major commercial airline to fly into Cap-Haïtien’s international airport after repairs were made to the damaged runway. Service was canceled six years later during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Haiti’s Prime Minister, Fils-Aimé, expressed optimism from Boston, where he is supporting Haiti’s national soccer team in their FIFA World Cup match against Scotland. He noted that this event marks a significant achievement for Haiti.

American will utilize a Boeing 737 aircraft with 172 seats, comprising 156 in the main cabin and 16 in business. The airline’s return to Cap-Haïtien coincides with ongoing challenges in providing air service to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince due to increasing gang violence.

Previously, Spirit Airlines was the only major airline operating flights to Cap-Haïtien from Fort Lauderdale. The suspension of flights led Haitians to face higher travel costs, resorting to alternatives like Sunrise Airways or rerouting through the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas. Another option, Zed Airlines, recently started flights between Miami and Cap-Haïtien.

American Airlines highlighted Haiti as the largest Caribbean market currently lacking U.S. airline service. With the largest Haitian-American community residing in South Florida, this service creates connections that benefit residents in New York City and Orlando, who also have large Haitian populations.

Additionally, American will expand its services to Venezuela, with daily flights between Miami and Maracaibo starting July 14.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava welcomed the resumption of these services. She emphasized the importance of reconnecting families, fostering economic opportunities, and strengthening ties between South Florida and these communities.

American Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Nat Piepe, stated the company’s commitment to offering extensive flight options across the region, serving more destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America than any other U.S. carrier.

Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s Senior Vice President of MIA Operations, referred to Miami as a major hub for travelers to the Caribbean and Latin America, noting the extensive network available.

The announcement marks a significant step for American Airlines, re-establishing connections to Haiti and increasing service to Venezuela, benefitting many in Miami.

Jacqueline Charles, a seasoned reporter on Haiti and the English-speaking Caribbean for the Miami Herald, has been recognized for her influential coverage, including her reporting on the 2010 Haiti earthquake.