American Airlines Resumes Flights to Haiti

American Airlines is set to resume its flights to Haiti. The airline will restart daily nonstop service between Miami and Cap-Haïtien starting November 1. The U.S. carrier had stopped flying to Haiti over a year ago.

American Airlines had a long history of serving Haiti, providing service for more than 50 years before pausing operations into Port-au-Prince. The suspension in December 2024 was due to FAA restrictions following incidents where aircraft were targeted by gang gunfire.

In 2014, American became the first major carrier to fly to Cap-Haïtien after runway repairs. However, this service halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Haiti Prime Minister Fils-Aimé, participating in events in Boston, expressed optimism for the country’s participation in the FIFA World Cup after a long absence.

The airline will operate a Boeing 737, offering 172 seats including 156 in the main cabin and 16 in business class. The return to Cap-Haïtien comes as air service to the main airport in Port-au-Prince remains suspended due to safety concerns.

Before services stopped, Spirit Airlines was the only major company flying to Cap-Haïtien. Given the disruptions, many Haitians were flying with Sunrise Airways or taking alternative routes through other Caribbean locations. Zed Airlines recently began flights from Miami to Cap-Haïtien, while the Dominican Republic has opened its airspace for flights.

In a statement, American Airlines highlighted Haiti as a major Caribbean market needing U.S. carrier services. The U.S. Haitian community, particularly in South Florida, New York City, and Orlando, will find travel more convenient with these new connections.

In addition to resuming service to Haiti, American Airlines is expanding to Venezuela with daily flights between Miami and Maracaibo starting July 14. Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava praised the moves as vital for connecting families and boosting economic opportunities.

American Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Nat Piepe, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing extensive flight options in the region. The airline currently serves 100 destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s Senior Vice President of Operations at Miami International Airport, called the resumption of services a significant milestone that enhances connections for Miami’s vibrant communities.

This development signals American Airlines’ dedication to maintaining their presence as a prominent carrier in the Caribbean and Latin American markets.