The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made the regrettable decision to extend the ban on flights to Port-au-Prince until September 8, 2025. This announcement comes as the previous restriction, initially set to expire on March 12, had raised hopes for the resumption of international flights to Haiti. Under this security NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), all foreign airlines remain prohibited from landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport until the specified date.
This extension is a major blow to Haitians living abroad, who had hoped to return to their home country after months of travel restrictions. Many were planning trips to Haiti for family, professional, or humanitarian reasons. Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the country’s main gateway for international travelers, remains inaccessible to commercial flights from abroad.
The FAA’s decision comes at a particularly difficult time for the country, which is grappling with ongoing insecurity as well as major political and economic challenges. Haitian authorities have yet to officially respond to this new measure, but the ban could have significant consequences for the economy, especially in the tourism and aviation sectors.
Moreover, this extended restriction heavily impacts the Haitian diaspora, which plays a crucial role in sending financial remittances to Haiti, supporting many families. The prolonged travel restrictions add another layer of frustration and uncertainty for these individuals, who are already struggling with the country’s internal challenges.
In the coming months, U.S. and Haitian authorities will need to work toward restoring security and trust to enable the resumption of international commercial flights to Haiti. In the meantime, the situation remains dire for those who had hoped to reunite with loved ones or attend important events in their homeland.
The extension of this flight ban once again highlights Haiti’s persistent security challenges and the profound impact they have on the daily lives of Haitians, both within the country and abroad.
