American Airlines Deploys Larger Aircraft to Haiti Amidst Crisis

American Airlines is increasing the capacity of its flights from Haiti, as the US government urges its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible due to the worsening security situation. The airline is replacing its 128-seat Airbus A319 with a 172-seat Boeing 737-800 for its flights from Port-au-Prince to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The change is effective from August 19 to September 20, and will add 44 seats per flight, or 308 seats per week, according to the airline. The move is intended to accommodate the increased demand from Americans who want to return home amid the political and social turmoil in Haiti.

Haiti has been facing a series of crises since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7. The country has been plagued by gang violence, kidnappings, fuel shortages, and protests. The situation has worsened after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern region on August 14, killing more than 2,000 people and injuring thousands more. The earthquake was followed by a tropical storm that hampered the rescue and relief efforts.

The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti, which means “do not travel”. The department has also authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and their families from Haiti. It has advised Americans who are in Haiti to “strongly consider departing as soon as they can safely do so”.

American Airlines is the only US carrier that operates flights to and from Haiti. It offers daily flights from Port-au-Prince to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and three weekly flights from Cap-Haïtien to Miami.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, aa.com