American Airlines has resumed daily flights between Miami International Airport and Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, starting Sunday, November 1, 2026. This marks the airline’s return to the northern Haitian city after a six-year hiatus.
The flight to Cap-Haïtien is significant for American Airlines as it represents the airline’s 100th destination in Latin America and the Caribbean, following its recent reintroduction of service to Venezuela. For Haiti, however, the resumption of flights is particularly important given the country’s absence of regular international airline service since late 2024.
In 2024, gang violence in the airspace of Port-au-Prince led the Federal Aviation Administration to ban U.S. commercial flights from landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Since that time, smaller airports like Hugo Chavez International Airport in Cap-Haïtien have become crucial hubs, as the country faced increasing isolation.
While Cap-Haïtien was not directly affected by the FAA’s ban, Spirit Airlines, based in Fort Lauderdale, suspended operations without resuming service. American Airlines is now the first major U.S. airline to provide daily flights since the service suspensions to the capital.
Juan Carlos Liscano, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Miami Operations, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “This is a very big step. Telling the world that we are resuming and continuing service to Cap-Haïtien tells everybody that conditions and things are looking very good.”
American Airlines has a long history with Haiti, having first launched flights to the nation in 1971. The latest flight reflected the airline’s commitment to both Haiti and the vibrant Haitian community in South Florida. At the Miami International Airport ceremony celebrating the flight, officials expressed gratitude for the renewed travel options, highlighting its broader implications for the community.
Cassandra Arnold, deputy chief of staff to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, noted the personal significance of the flight resumption. She remarked, “Today, this launch also represents opportunity, connection, and hope for our beautiful Haitian people.”
The inaugural flight operated with an all-Haitian, Creole-speaking crew, a decision led by pilot Oliver Jean, who expressed pride in flying with a crew that represents their heritage. As Jean noted, this inaugural journey would allow announcements in both English and Creole, enhancing passenger comfort.
The loss of commercial service in recent years has resulted in elevated costs and limited options for travelers to Haiti. Many have turned to charter flights, which have proven unreliable. Travelers at the airport expressed elation over the return of American Airlines, citing the airline’s commitment to customer service.
Haiti’s Consul General Yverick Delerme Cyril commended the flight resumption and underscored its symbolic value in reinforcing ties between Haiti and Miami. He stated that this connection is essential for families and businesses, and it supports opportunities for the Haitian diaspora.
As American Airlines moves forward, it is expected to help connect more visitors from the U.S. to Haiti, marking a significant step in restoring essential travel links between the two locations.
