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 hit by gunfire, forcing an emergency diversion to the neighboring Dominican Republic.

All fighting has been suspendedleaving travel plans to the Caribbean island in the lurch.

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Please contact your airline: Contact your airline immediately. Most airlines, including Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines, have already announced suspensions of their flights to Haiti.

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

Discover refund options: Inquire about the refund policy or the possibility of rebooking for a later date at no extra cost, although the fluid security situation makes the latter not so attractive.

View travel insurance: If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if it covers cancellations due to safety concerns.

Passengers are entitled to a refund of the full cost of the ticket for the part of the journey not made or for a new route at the first opportunity if a flight is canceled by the airline for international travel. If you are already at the airport and choose to reroute, you are also entitled to meals and refreshments in proportion to your waiting time, and to two telephone calls, text messages or emails.

You are also entitled to overnight accommodation if you have to reroute the day after your scheduled flight, and, depending on the circumstances, to monetary compensation.

Why Haiti is so dangerous

Haiti has been embroiled in political unrest 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, removed from office after just six months.

Armed factions have taken control of large parts of the countryincluding parts of the capital. These gangs have become increasingly brazen and attempt to hinder travel to and from Port-au-Prince, sometimes through armed confrontations.

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