JetBlue extends Haiti flight suspension; Spirit, American remain uncertain

JetBlue Airways has pushed back the resumption of its flights to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, citing ongoing civil unrest and security concerns. The airline had previously suspended flights until April 30, but now says service will remain halted until at least June 11, 2025.

A spokesperson for JetBlue told The Miami Herald, “Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our customers and crew members. Due to the ongoing civil unrest in Haiti, we have made the decision to suspend all flights to and from the country through at least June 11, 2025. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update our plans as necessary.”

FAA flight ban still in place as security situation worsens

JetBlue’s announcement comes just one week before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to decide whether to lift or extend its ban on U.S. commercial and cargo flights to Haiti. That restriction, first imposed in November 2024, is currently in place until March 12, 2025. However, with worsening gang violence in Port-au-Prince, it remains unclear if the FAA will allow flights to resume.

The FAA ban was put in place after gangs opened fire on three U.S. planes, injuring a Spirit Airlines flight attendant and forcing airlines to halt all service to Haiti. Since then, American Airlines and Spirit Airlines have also indefinitely suspended flights, leaving Sunrise Airways as the only carrier connecting Haiti with South Florida via Cap-Haïtien.

Haitian government pushes alternative airports

As Port-au-Prince remains cut off, the Haitian government has focused on expanding regional airports to maintain international travel access. On March 6, officials announced that the Antoine Simon Airport in Les Cayes is now equipped to receive international flights after its runway was extended to 5,905 feet. In January, a similar expansion was completed at Jacmel’s airport ahead of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visit.

However, Port-au-Prince’s main airport remains closed to commercial airlines, despite continuing to receive military and diplomatic flights as part of the planned Kenya-led multinational security deployment.

U.S. officials weigh next steps for Haiti air travel

As the March 12 deadline for the FAA flight ban approaches, U.S. and Haitian officials are exploring ways to restore commercial flights safely. Earlier this week, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins met with Haiti’s National Office of Civil Aviation Director Réginald Guignard to discuss securing the perimeter of Toussaint Louverture International Airport—a key step toward resuming flights.

For now, Haiti’s only operational international airport is in Cap-Haïtien, where Sunrise Airways continues limited service to Miami, and regional airlines operate flights to The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

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