April 23, 2025

JetBlue Extends Suspension of Flights to Haiti Until June, Reports Miami Herald

March 7, 2025

JetBlue Airways has decided to extend the suspension of its flights to Haiti until June 11, 2025, citing ongoing security concerns in the country. This decision further delays the resumption of direct flights between Port-au-Prince and the United States, particularly Florida and New York. Initially set to last until April 30, the suspension has been extended as the security situation remains worrisome. A company spokesperson emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains JetBlue’s top priority and assured that the situation would be closely monitored to adjust plans if necessary.

This announcement comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s flight ban is set to expire on March 12. It also coincides with Haiti’s announcement that the airport in Les Cayes is now capable of accommodating international flights following runway expansion work. Haitian authorities view this development as a significant step forward for the southern region, which remains cut off from the capital due to armed gangs controlling major roadways. Additionally, Jacmel’s airport has also recently undergone renovations to accommodate commercial aircraft.

The ban on U.S. commercial flights to Port-au-Prince has been in effect since an armed group opened fire on three commercial planes last November, injuring a Spirit Airlines flight attendant. This restriction has forced U.S. airlines to suspend their operations in Haiti. American Airlines has already announced the indefinite suspension of its daily flights between Miami and Port-au-Prince, while Spirit Airlines is still awaiting an evaluation from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before considering resuming service to Cap-Haïtien.

In response to the ongoing situation, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis Hankins, recently met with Réginald Guignard, the newly appointed director of Haiti’s National Civil Aviation Office, to discuss measures to improve security at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Until concrete progress is made, Cap-Haïtien International Airport remains Haiti’s primary air entry point, with Sunrise Airways operating flights connecting Miami, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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