American Airlines Resumes Flights to Haiti and Expands Service to Venezuela

American Airlines is set to renew its operations in Haiti. The U.S. airline will begin daily nonstop flights between Miami and Cap-Haitien starting November 1, marking its return after more than a year. This decision was announced on Friday.

Previously, American Airlines had a strong presence in Haiti for over five decades. However, they paused their daily flights to Port-au-Prince in December 2024 following a series of incidents involving gang gunfire impacting aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration subsequently banned U.S. commercial flights to the Haitian capital.

In 2014, American Airlines made history by being the first major carrier to service Cap-Haïtien’s international airport following the repair of its runway. However, services were suspended six years later during the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Airlines will utilize a Boeing 737 with 172 seats for this route, including 156 seats in the main cabin and 16 in business class. While air service to Haiti’s main airport in Port-au-Prince remains suspended due to ongoing violence, the new route to Cap-Haïtien offers essential connectivity.

Previously, Fort Lauderdale-based Spirit Airlines was the sole major commercial airline flying to Cap-Haïtien. Rising demand has led Haitians to pay higher fares, often opting for flights with Sunrise Airways or routing through the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas. Zed Airlines has also begun flights from Miami to Cap-Haïtien, adding more options for travelers.

In a statement, American Airlines highlighted Haiti as the Caribbean’s largest market not currently served by a U.S. carrier. With South Florida housing the largest Haitian-American community, the new route offers convenient connections for residents in New York City and Orlando.

Alongside the Haiti route, American will introduce daily nonstop flights from Miami to Maracaibo, Venezuela, starting July 14. Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava expressed optimism about these developments, citing the benefits of reconnecting families and supporting economic opportunities.

American Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer Nat Piepe emphasized the airline’s commitment to serving the region. Currently, American serves 100 destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America, showcasing their extensive network.

Juan Carlos Liscano, Senior Vice President of MIA Operations, praised the Miami hub’s role as a key international connection point. The resumption of flights to Haiti and expansion in Venezuela marks significant progress in enhancing these regional ties.