American Airlines has resumed flights to Haiti for the first time in nearly two years, commencing daily services between Miami and Cap-Haïtien while continuing to restrict access to Port-au-Prince for U.S. carriers. The inaugural flight, designated AA2492, departed Miami for Cap-Haïtien on November 1.
This return marks a significant development for American Airlines, which had served Haiti since 1971 before suspending operations in late 2024 due to safety concerns. The first flight was operated using a Boeing 737-800, though future flights will typically utilize the 737 MAX 8.
With the recent launch of Cap-Haïtien, American Airlines now lists it as its 100th destination across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Notably, the inaugural flight featured an all-Haitian crew, with Captain Oliver Jean in command.
American previously provided service to Cap-Haïtien from 2014 to 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic led to the suspension of this route. The decision to resume flights to Cap-Haïtien stems from the fact that the airport is located outside the area subject to restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Port-au-Prince remains off limits
U.S. airlines halted operations to Haiti in November 2024 following incidents where three commercial aircraft were hit by gunfire near Port-au-Prince. One notable incident involved a Spirit Airlines Airbus A320, which was struck multiple times as it approached the capital; the flight was diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic, resulting in minor injuries to a flight attendant.
Damage from firearms was also identified on separate flights operated by JetBlue and American Airlines originating from Port-au-Prince. Initially, the FAA banned all U.S. civil aviation operations over Haiti, but later constrained the prohibition to areas surrounding the capital.
The current restrictions prevent flights below 10,000 feet in specified zones around Port-au-Prince, a situation that the FAA anticipates will continue until March 2, 2027. Officials have cited the presence of armed groups that control significant areas of the capital, equipped with weapons that pose risks to low-flying aircraft.
In contrast, Cap-Haïtien airport, located approximately 85 miles (135 km) north of the capital, remains accessible for international flights, including those operated by Haitian airline Sunrise Airways. American Airlines has indicated that the new Miami-to-Cap-Haïtien route aims to address the high passenger demand for travel to Haiti, highlighting it as the largest Caribbean market without service from a U.S. airline. The daily flights also offer connections to over 90 destinations across the United States through Miami.
