In a difficult decision, American Airlines has announced that it will not be resuming its daily flights between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) as planned. Initially set to restart operations by February 12, the airline has extended the suspension indefinitely, citing ongoing safety risks in Haiti.

The decision comes after a series of disturbing incidents, including several planes being struck by gunfire while in Haitian airspace. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a 30-day ban on U.S. airlines flying to Haiti, and the United Nations has suspended its flights to Port-au-Prince, further complicating the situation and hindering the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

American Airlines, which has served Haiti for over 50 years, expressed regret over the suspension, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members are the airline’s top priorities. While the airline continues to monitor the situation closely, it has committed to reassessing the possibility of resuming flights by late 2025, based on improvements in security, customer demand, and travel conditions. Passengers whose flights have been affected will be contacted directly and offered a full refund for their bookings.

Broader Impact on Air Travel to Haiti

American Airlines’ decision follows similar moves by other major U.S. carriers, including JetBlue and Spirit Airlines. These airlines, too, suspended their flights to Haiti after reports of gunfire hitting aircraft in November. Although none of the passengers were injured in these incidents, the growing insecurity in Haitian airspace has led to widespread flight cancellations.

JetBlue, which operates flights from Fort Lauderdale and New York to Port-au-Prince, and Spirit Airlines, which has suspended services to both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien, have yet to announce when or if they will resume flights to Haiti.

For many Haitians and those with ties to the island, these suspensions are more than just logistical challenges—they are deeply personal. Air travel is a lifeline, connecting families, friends, and communities in a time of need. With flights suspended, those who rely on these routes are facing added hardship, especially as the country grapples with instability and insecurity.

American Airlines’ commitment to Haiti remains strong, and the airline has pledged to stay in close communication with affected passengers, offering support and refunds during this difficult period. While the situation is uncertain, the hope is that conditions will improve, allowing flights to resume and reconnect people across the U.S. and Haiti once again.