{"id":87531,"date":"2025-03-22T23:06:22","date_gmt":"2025-03-22T17:36:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=87531"},"modified":"2025-03-22T23:06:26","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T17:36:26","slug":"jetblue-and-spirit-airlines-plans-to-restart-haiti-flights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/22\/jetblue-and-spirit-airlines-plans-to-restart-haiti-flights\/","title":{"rendered":"JetBlue and Spirit Airlines Plans to Restart Haiti Flights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEW YORK-<\/strong> JetBlue Airways (B6)<\/a> and Spirit Airlines (NK)<\/a> are planning to resume flights to Cap-Ha\u00eftien Hugo Chavez International Airport (CAP), according to Fritz Alphonse Jean, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement came after Jean met with Haiti’s National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC) and National Airport Authority (AAN) regarding the reopening of Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP)<\/a> in Port-au-Prince, which has remained closed since November 2024 except for a brief December reopening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Spirit_Airlines_Airbus_A321-231_N677NK_approaching_Newark_Airport.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

JetBlue and Spirit Restart Haiti Flights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spirit Airlines (NK) and JetBlue Airways’ (B6) planned return to Cap-Ha\u00eftien<\/a> signals a cautious attempt to restore air connectivity to Haiti<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fritz Alphonse Jean, CPT President<\/strong>, announced the update following a meeting with Haiti’s National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC) and the National Airport Authority (AAN). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, neither airline has publicly confirmed specific dates for flight resumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport closure in Port-au-Prince has led to severe travel difficulties, forcing many to traverse dangerous, gang-controlled areas to reach Cap-Ha\u00eftien. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Cap-Ha\u00eftien International Airport remains operational, it currently has limited commercial flight options, with Sunrise Airways (S6)<\/a> providing the only direct connection to the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite CPT’s assurance of a possible reopening of Toussaint Louverture International Airport, security concerns persist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, airlines face high insurance costs and operational risks, further delaying potential flight resumptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JetBlue has extended its suspension of flights to Port-au-Prince until at least June 11, 2025. Spirit Airlines previously listed Cap-Ha\u00eftien-to-Fort Lauderdale flights for March 2025 but has yet to confirm its return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: JetBlue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Public Reaction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many Haitians have expressed frustration with the focus on Cap-Ha\u00eftien, arguing that reopening Port-au-Prince’s airport should take precedence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The capital remains largely inaccessible as gangs block major roads, making travel through Cap-Ha\u00eftien impractical for many residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What if someone can’t pass through Morne Cabrit to get to Okap to travel?” said Hyppolite Beauvoir, a travel agent, referencing the gang-controlled road connecting Port-au-Prince to Cap-Ha\u00eftien. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“If they (CPT) want to do something serious, they need to open the airport in Port-au-Prince.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Spirit Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Security Concerns Hampering Reopening Efforts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite Jean’s assurances about Toussaint Louverture International Airport reopening soon, many remain skeptical given the deteriorating security situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gangs have escalated attacks in the capital and surrounding areas in recent weeks, targeting media outlets, burning homes, and injuring law enforcement officers, including a Kenyan police officer deployed under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These attacks have forced more displacements and closures of businesses, humanitarian organizations, healthcare facilities, and schools, further complicating recovery efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Airline Resumption<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The return of Spirit and JetBlue to Cap-Ha\u00eftien could provide several advantages despite the preference for Port-au-Prince’s reopening:<\/p>\n\n\n\n