JetBlue Airways has announced a change in its flight schedule, with flights to Haiti not expected to resume in April as previously planned. Instead, the airline has extended its suspension of flights to Haiti until at least June 11, 2025, due to ongoing civil unrest and security concerns in the country.
The decision to suspend flights was initially made in the wake of incidents in November 2024, where aircraft from JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines were struck by bullets while approaching Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. This prompted a substantial escalation of safety concerns, prompting major carriers to halt their operations.
Current Situation
JetBlue’s Position: The airline emphasizes that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority. It will continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust its plans as necessary.
Other Airlines: American Airlines has also suspended its flights indefinitely, with plans to reassess the situation in late 2025. Spirit Airlines has also suspended its services, with no specified return date.
Impact on Haiti: The suspension of flights by major carriers has severely impacted Haiti’s connectivity to the global travel network. Presently, Sunrise Airways stands as the sole airline offering direct flights between Haiti and the United States.
The resumption of flights is contingent on the enhancement of safety conditions in Haiti. Haitian officials have expressed their commitment to restoring stability and attracting airlines back to the country, but substantial progress remains elusive.