American Airlines Suspends Flights to Haiti Indefinitely
Amid escalating security concerns in Haiti, American Airlines has indefinitely halted its flights to the country. The decision follows a U.S. government directive and growing violence in the region.
FAA Flight Ban Triggers Suspension
On November 12, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a 30-day ban on flights from the U.S. to Haiti. This came after gunfire targeted a Spirit Airlines flight as it prepared to land in Port-au-Prince.
Before the ban, American Airlines operated one daily flight between Miami and Haiti’s capital, a service the airline has provided for more than 50 years.
In a statement to Scripps News, American Airlines confirmed the suspension:
“We will continue to monitor the situation, assessing safety, security, and customer demand, in evaluating a return of service.”
Escalating Violence in Haiti
The suspension comes as gang violence continues to plague the nation. On Monday, Haitian authorities reported that a gang leader was responsible for the killing of more than 100 people in Port-au-Prince, further intensifying the crisis.
International Call for Assistance
The U.S. State Department has called on the global community to provide security support for Haiti. The country has faced a growing humanitarian crisis as violence disrupts daily life and threatens regional stability.
What’s Next?
While American Airlines has expressed a commitment to returning to Haiti when conditions improve, there is no clear timeline for the resumption of service. The airline will continue to evaluate the situation, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.
This suspension underscores the broader challenges Haiti faces and highlights the critical need for international intervention to restore safety and stability.
