American Airlines Resumes Daily Miami–Cap-Haïtien Flights With an All-Haitian Crew

American Airlines resumed its daily nonstop flights between Miami and Cap-Haïtien on Sunday. The inaugural flight was operated by an all-Haitian, Creole-speaking crew, marking another step in the restoration of air links between the United States and Haiti.

An all-Haitian crew for the inaugural flight

The flight was commanded by Captain Oliver Jean, a Haitian-born pilot with a 29-year career. Born in Port-au-Prince, he said it was the first time he had flown with an entirely Haitian crew. He added that he would make his announcements in both English and Creole.

In a statement, the airline said the route would be served daily with Boeing 737 aircraft.

American Airlines has served Haiti since 1971, but the carrier said the resumption marks its return to Cap-Haïtien after more than six years.

According to Le Nouvelliste, the inaugural flight was welcomed at Cap-Haïtien International Airport with a ceremony attended by government officials, airport authorities and airline representatives.

The resumption follows a particularly difficult period for air travel in Haiti. In November 2024, gunfire attributed to armed groups struck planes from three U.S. airlines — American Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines — as they flew over Port-au-Prince. All three carriers then suspended operations in the country.

Following those incidents, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned U.S. commercial airlines from landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital. That restriction remains in effect.

Translated from the original French by the Hebdo24 newsroom.