American Airlines Resumes Service to Haiti

American Airlines is set to resume flights to Haiti, reintroducing a daily nonstop route between Miami and Cap-Haitien starting on November 1. The airline had halted operations to Haiti over a year ago.

American Airlines had been serving Haiti for more than 50 years but ceased its daily flights to Port-au-Prince in December 2024. The suspension followed a Federal Aviation Administration ban on U.S. airlines flying to the Haitian capital due to gang-related incidents targeting aircraft.

In 2014, American Airlines began flying to Cap-Haïtien, becoming the first major carrier to do so since repairs were made to the airport’s runway. The service ended six years later amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Haiti’s Prime Minister, Fils-Aimé, expressed optimism following the announcement. The country’s national soccer team recently competed in its first FIFA World Cup match in 52 years, which he sees as a positive sign.

American Airlines will use a Boeing 737 for the flights, accommodating 172 passengers, with a mix of main cabin and business class seating. While service to Port-au-Prince remains paused due to violence, competing airlines have found alternative routes, although often at higher costs for travelers.

Other airlines, like Haiti-based Sunrise Airways and Zed Airlines, have been serving Cap-Haïtien, with routes through the Caribbean, and international access has been bolstered by agreements with neighboring countries.

Officials from American Airlines state that Haiti is the largest unscheduled market in the Caribbean, highlighting the high demand. The airline points to significant Haitian communities in Florida and across the U.S., anticipating strong usage of this direct connection.

Beyond Haiti, the airline is expanding further into Latin America. Commencing on July 14, American Airlines will offer nonstop flights between Miami and Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Danielle Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor, hailed the resumed services as a means to reinforce cultural and economic connections between South Florida and these destinations.

Nat Piepe, American Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the airline’s leadership in the region, with a mission to link travelers across the Americas.

With services to numerous destinations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, American Airlines remains a key player in connecting travelers through their extensive Miami hub.

Juan Carlos Liscano, Senior Vice President of Operations at MIA, underscored the significance of these new routes, spotlighting Miami’s pivotal role in international travel.

The developments mark a noteworthy step for American Airlines as they amplify their network across the region.

This update was first made available on June 12, 2026, at 10:11 AM. Jacqueline Charles, known for extensive reporting on Haiti for the Miami Herald, has received honors including the Maria Moors Cabot Prize and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.