NEW YORK- JetBlue Airways (B6) and Spirit Airlines (NK) are planning to resume flights to Cap-Haïtien Hugo Chavez International Airport (CAP), according to Fritz Alphonse Jean, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT).
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) in Port-au-Prince, which has remained closed since November 2024 except for a brief December reopening.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spirit_Airlines_Airbus_A321-231_N677NK_approaching_Newark_Airport.jpgJetBlue and Spirit Restart Haiti Flights
Spirit Airlines (NK) and JetBlue Airways’ (B6) planned return to Cap-Haïtien signals a cautious attempt to restore air connectivity to Haiti.
Fritz Alphonse Jean, CPT President, announced the update following a meeting with Haiti’s National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC) and the National Airport Authority (AAN).
However, neither airline has publicly confirmed specific dates for flight resumption.
The airport closure in Port-au-Prince has led to severe travel difficulties, forcing many to traverse dangerous, gang-controlled areas to reach Cap-Haïtien.
While Cap-Haïtien International Airport remains operational, it currently has limited commercial flight options, with Sunrise Airways (S6) providing the only direct connection to the U.S.
Despite CPT’s assurance of a possible reopening of Toussaint Louverture International Airport, security concerns persist.
Additionally, airlines face high insurance costs and operational risks, further delaying potential flight resumptions.
JetBlue has extended its suspension of flights to Port-au-Prince until at least June 11, 2025. Spirit Airlines previously listed Cap-Haïtien-to-Fort Lauderdale flights for March 2025 but has yet to confirm its return.
Photo: JetBluePublic Reaction
Many Haitians have expressed frustration with the focus on Cap-Haïtien, arguing that reopening Port-au-Prince’s airport should take precedence.
The capital remains largely inaccessible as gangs block major roads, making travel through Cap-Haïtien impractical for many residents.
“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-Haïtien.
“If they (CPT) want to do something serious, they need to open the airport in Port-au-Prince.”
Photo: Spirit AirlinesSecurity Concerns Hampering Reopening Efforts
Despite Jean’s assurances about Toussaint Louverture International Airport reopening soon, many remain skeptical given the deteriorating security situation.
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).
These attacks have forced more displacements and closures of businesses, humanitarian organizations, healthcare facilities, and schools, further complicating recovery efforts.
Photo: Clément AlloingBenefits of Airline Resumption
The return of Spirit and JetBlue to Cap-Haïtien could provide several advantages despite the preference for Port-au-Prince’s reopening:
- Lower airfare prices through competition with Sunrise Airways, which currently charges $530-$730 for one-way tickets as the sole operator
- Expanded travel options with connecting flights through Fort Lauderdale and other U.S. hubs
- Potential port of entry for deportees as the US revokes temporary legal status for over 530,000 individuals, including many Haitians, effective April 24
Though many have welcomed this development as an alternative to the inaccessible Port-au-Prince airport, the facility has yet to receive any international flights.
Photo: Spirit AirlinesThird Option?
The Haitian government recently expanded Les Cayes Antoine Simon Airport as a potential third international travel hub. However, no airlines have scheduled international flights there, leaving its future uncertain.
As Haiti’s aviation industry faces ongoing instability, travelers, airlines, and officials will closely monitor developments.
The fate of Port-au-Prince’s airport remains critical, and whether Cap-Haïtien can effectively serve as an alternative remains to be seen.
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The post JetBlue and Spirit Airlines Plans to Restart Haiti Flights appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
