All flights to Haiti have been cancelled: What to do if you already had tickets?

The cancellation of flights to Haiti comes in the wake of escalating gang violence and political instability in the country.

In the latest escalation, a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was struck by gunfire, forcing an emergency diversion to the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

All fights have been suspended, throwing travel plans to the Caribbean island into the lurch.

Immediate actions for ticket holders

Contact Your Airline: Reach out to your airline immediately. Most carriers, including Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines, have already announced suspensions of their Haiti-bound flights.

Check for Updates: Monitor your airline’s website and social media channels for the latest information on flight statuses and potential resumption dates.

Explore Refund Options: Inquire about refund policies or the possibility of rebooking for a later date without additional fees, though the fluid security situation makes the latter not so enticing.

Review Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if it covers cancellations due to security concerns.

Passengers are entitled to reimbursement of the full cost of the ticket for the part of the journey not made or re-routing at the earliest opportunity should a flight be cancelled by the airline for international travel. If you are already at the airport and you opt for re-routing, you should be also entitled to meals and refreshments in proportion to your waiting time, and two telephone calls, texts or emails.

You are also entitled to overnight accommodation if you are to be re-routed the day after your planned flight and, depending on the circumstances, to monetary compensation.

Why Haiti is so dangerous

Haiti has been mired in political turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The country has seen a rapid succession of prime ministers, with the most recent, Garry Conille, being removed from office after just six months.

Armed factions have seized control of large parts of the country, including areas of the capital. These gangs have become increasingly bold, attempting to obstruct travel to and from Port-au-Prince, sometimes through armed confrontations.

The World Food Programme reported in October 2024 that 5.4 million Haitians, nearly half the population, are suffering from acute hunger.