Key Takeaways:
– American Airlines suspends daily service from Miami to Port-au-Prince indefinitely amid security concerns.
– Other US airlines like JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines also halt flights to Haiti following incidents of gunfire.
– Haitians face severe transportation issues due to flight suspension and heavy rains.
– Despite severe conditions, the US continues to deport Haitians back.
American Airlines, based in the U.S., announced the indefinite suspension of daily flights from Miami to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The carrier, which initially suspended flights till February 12, will assess the feasibility of resuming services in late 2025. This service represents the only regular flight from Miami International Airport to Haiti by a leading U.S. airline.
Aviation Restrictions Prompted by Security Concerns
The decision by American Airlines follows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ban on American air carriers flying to Haiti for 30 days. This move came after the shooting of three airplanes, instigating safety constraints on U.S. air travel to the Caribbean country. Moreover, amidst escalating security concerns, the United Nations temporarily stopped flights to Port-au-Prince on Tuesday. This action drastically reduced humanitarian assistance to Haiti.
American Airlines, in a statement, elucidated, “American has made the challenging decision to discontinue daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We take pride in our commitment of more than 50 years to Haiti and will continue to assess the situation, focusing on safety, security, and customer demand. Customers affected will be proactively contacted to offer a full refund of their travel itinerary.”
Increased Flight Suspensions Amid Unsettled Conditions
In addition to American Airlines, other airlines like JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines also suspended daily flight operations into Haiti. This followed the recent confirmation of gunfire hitting their planes over Haitian airspace in November. Neither JetBlue nor Spirit Airlines has indicated a resumption date for their Haiti services.
For JetBlue Airways, the suspension affects flights out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport into Port-au-Prince. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines suspended its service between Fort Lauderdale and Cap-Haïtien in Northern Haiti. Fortunately, no passengers were hurt in these incidents.
Impact on Haitians in the U.S. and Haiti
The discontinuation of commercial and cargo flights has triggered significant issues for Haitians. Armed groups control the roads leading into and out of the capital, restricting movement further. Additionally, recent mudslides have resulted in the closure of two primary roads linking Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince.
Limited flight options are compelling residents to rely on expensive private helicopters or government-leased heli-services, which are primarily intended for transporting defense personnel. Furthermore, the FAA recently lifted its flight ban on airports beyond the capital.
Alternative Air Routes under Debatable Conditions
The only other airport capable of receiving commercial international flights in the country is Hugo Chavez International Airport in Cap-Haïtien. Currently, it provides the only air link for the isolated nation, with Haiti-owned Sunrise Airways being the only direct service to the U.S.
Trapped between an inaccessible road network and scarce flight operations, Haiti sees only limited traffic with the Dominican Republic, and flights with the Bahamas have been suspended. Despite these harsh conditions, the U.S. maintains the deportation of Haitians, with the Department of Homeland Security recently deporting 70 people into the waterlogged city of Cap-Haïtien.
In conclusion, as safety concerns and climate vulnerabilities disrupt the usual air routes, the Haitian populace is navigating a grim reality. Until reliable, safe air connections are restored, the situation is likely to remain precarious for the people residing in or associated with this Caribbean island.