American Airlines will resume flights to Haiti on November 1, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to do so after service was suspended due to security risks. The FAA has maintained a ban on flights to Port-au-Prince, citing ongoing threats from armed groups.
The resumption of flights to Haiti by American Airlines signifies a potential shift in the assessment of security risks, though restrictions on the capital remain. This move could impact travel, trade, and humanitarian aid to the nation, while also highlighting the ongoing security challenges.
American Airlines announced on Friday that it will resume flights to Haiti on November 1, making it the first major U.S. carrier to do so after a period of suspended service. The airline plans to offer flights to Cap-Haitien.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has maintained a ban on flights to the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, since November 2024, citing risks to civil aviation posed by armed groups. This ban is currently set to continue through at least September 3. The FAA has allowed flights to resume to six other airports in northern Haiti, but Port-au-Prince remains restricted.
Haiti is currently the only Caribbean nation not served by direct flights from U.S. carriers. The FAA's decision to halt flights to Haiti in November 2024 followed incidents where three U.S. commercial jetliners were struck by gunfire. The agency continues to cite the inability of security forces to prevent attacks against aircraft in and around Port-au-Prince.
U.S. planes are permitted to transit over Port-au-Prince at altitudes above 10,000 feet. The security situation in Haiti has been dire, with nearly 20,000 people killed since 2021 due to clashes between armed gangs, security forces, and vigilante groups. Since September 2025, at least three aircraft have been attacked by small-arms fire in the prohibited zone near Port-au-Prince.
In addition to resuming service to Haiti, American Airlines also plans to add a second Venezuelan airport to its flight offerings, with service to Maracaibo scheduled to begin on July 14.