US extends ban on Haiti flights until September

The United States has extended its ban on flights to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, until at least September 8 due to escalating gang violence, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Tuesday.

The extension follows warnings from the United Nations, with human rights experts describing the situation as more dire than ever.

The ban, initially set to expire on March 13, was first implemented in November after gangs opened fire on three commercial planes near Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The U.S. decision comes just a week after JetBlue Airways announced it would suspend flights to Haiti until at least June 11, 2025, citing ongoing civil unrest. The airline, which operates the only direct flights between Haiti and both South Florida and New York, had previously suspended its flights through April 30, 2025.

“Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our customers and crew members,” a JetBlue spokesperson said. “Due to the ongoing civil unrest in Haiti, we have made the decision to suspend all flights to and from the country through at least June 11, 2025. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update our plans as necessary.”