American Airlines Halts Flights to Haiti Amid Safety Concerns

American Airlines has announced the indefinite suspension of its daily flights between Miami (MIA) and Port-au-Prince (PAP), Haiti, extending the pause until at least late 2025 due to escalating safety concerns in Haitian airspace. Initially, the suspension was to last until February 12, 2024, but recent developments have necessitated a longer halt.

The decision follows a directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), issued on November 12, 2024, which prohibits U.S. air carriers and commercial operators from flying at altitudes up to 10,000 feet in Haiti’s territory and airspace. This measure was taken after multiple U.S. carriers, including Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, reported their aircraft were struck by gunfire while operating in the region.

Despite the FAA easing restrictions on November 21, allowing U.S. flights to resume to six other Haitian airports, the ban on flights to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, remains effective until December 12, 2024. The ongoing violence and safety risks have led American Airlines to prolong the suspension of its Miami-Port-au-Prince service as a precautionary measure.

The airline has been a long-standing operator to Haiti, with over 50 years of service, underscoring its commitment to the region. “We are proud of our more than 50-year commitment to Haiti and we will continue to monitor the situation, assessing safety, security, and customer demand, in evaluating a return of service,” stated a spokesperson for American Airlines. The airline also assured that it would reach out proactively to impacted customers to offer full refunds for their travel plans.

Further compounding the travel advisories, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has recommended against travel to Haiti at this time due to continued violence throughout the city, including near the embassy premises. As a result, regular visa appointments and American Citizen Services have been canceled until further notice.

This suspension highlights the challenging operating environment in Haiti, where political instability and security concerns have increasingly impacted international travel and operations. As American Airlines and other U.S. carriers navigate these challenges, they remain committed to prioritizing the safety and security of their passengers and crew while maintaining readiness to resume operations when conditions allow.

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