American Airlines has resumed daily flights between Miami, Florida, and Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, restoring the carrier’s service to the country after a nearly two-year suspension.
The first flight departed Miami International Airport on Sunday, November 1, marking American’s return to Haiti and its 100th destination in Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline is operating the route with Boeing 737 aircraft.
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The inaugural flight was operated by an all-Haitian, Creole-speaking crew led by Captain Oliver Jean, a Haiti-born pilot with 29 years of experience. The arrangement was intended to make Haitian passengers feel more comfortable and highlight the airline’s longstanding connection with the country.
American Airlines suspended its flights to Haiti in November 2024 after aircraft operated by U.S. carriers were struck by gunfire while flying over Port-au-Prince. The incidents prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict U.S. commercial flights to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital.
Although the FAA restriction does not cover Cap-Haïtien, American had previously discontinued service to the northern city in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resumption provides travellers with another direct connection between the United States and northern Haiti, while passengers from other American cities can connect through Miami. The route is also expected to support travel for families, businesses and members of the Haitian diaspora.
American Airlines Senior Vice President of Miami Operations Juan Carlos Liscano described the return as an important step in restoring connections between the two countries.
“For thousands of Haitian families this connection is essential,” he said, noting its importance in bringing families together, facilitating business opportunities and strengthening ties between Haiti and its diaspora.
However, the return of commercial service to Cap-Haïtien does not mean flights have resumed to Port-au-Prince, where U.S. commercial aviation restrictions remain in place.
