FAA extends ban on US flights to Port-au-Prince through March 2026

According to the FAA, over the past six months foreign terrorist organizations have increased their control of nearly 90% of Port-au-Prince as well as important routes and border zones. These groups possess small arms and unmanned aircraft systems capable of threatening commercial flights during takeoff and descent phases. The agency reported at least one incident since March 2025 where suspected foreign terrorist organizations fired small arms at low-flying aircraft within restricted areas.

However, the FAA noted that "foreign terrorist activity remains limited in other parts of the country, specifically at Cap-Haïtien (CAP) and Les Cayes (CYA), with no history of targeting aviation or airport facilities there."

Cap Haïtien International Airport (CAP) now serves as Haiti’s primary aviation gateway. Airlines such as Sunrise Airways—Haiti’s main domestic carrier—Bahamasair, Caicos Express Airways, and InterCaribbean Airways operate regular flights from CAP to regional destinations. Data shows that Sunrise Airways runs daily service between Cap-Haïtien and Miami.

Bahamasair links Nassau with Cap-Haïtien using Boeing 737-700s on a semi-regular basis. Les Cayes (CYA), located roughly 220 miles south of Cap-Haïtien, is currently the only other Haitian airport with commercial airline service.

Since 2020 gang violence has escalated across Haiti. In July 2021 President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated amid political instability; subsequent years saw elections postponed and democratically elected officials removed from power.

US airlines continued serving Port-au-Prince until November 2024 despite mounting risks. During this period most carriers—including American Airlines and JetBlue Airways—avoided overnight stays for their crews in Haiti due to safety concerns.

In response to rising gang violence in early 2024, the US Department of State organized charter evacuation flights out of Cap-Haïtien. These flights operated between March and April before being discontinued.

"Flights Banned Until March 2026," said Simple Flying regarding the latest extension.

"Cap-Haïtien Is Haiti’s Primary Hub," added Sunrise Airways.

"Disrupted Commercial Aviation," commented Airbus.