Gunfire, gang violence, and relentless security threats have once again put Haiti’s travel lifeline in jeopardy.
When sunrise airways domestic flights canceled operations became headline news, thousands of passengers found themselves stranded and an entire nation’s domestic connectivity was severed overnight.
If you’ve been following Caribbean travel trends, this won’t come as a surprise.
La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Sioux Falls Reviews
Key Takeaways
- Sunrise Airways halted all domestic flights after one of its planes was hit by gunfire while landing in Port-au-Prince.
- The FAA noted that Haitian gangs now control 90% of Port-au-Prince as well as nearby strategic routes and border areas.
- Sunrise Airways celebrated the launch of its direct route between Cap-Haïtien and Newark Liberty International Airport, expanding travel options signaling a pivot toward international growth even as domestic routes remain fragile.
Why Were Sunrise Airways Domestic Flights Canceled?
The answer is both simple and horrifying.
A domestic flight was struck by bullets on Sunday while landing at the Guy Malary terminal of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince; the aircraft, operated by Sunrise Airways, was arriving from Les Cayes.
No injuries were reported, but the airline immediately suspended all arriving and departing flights to and from Port-au-Prince until further notice.
In its official statement, the airline said it was grounding domestic flights “for strictly security-related reasons.”
Our analysis suggests this wasn’t an isolated incident it was the breaking point of a pattern.
This latest aircraft strike echoes an incident in November 2024, when a Spirit Airlines Airbus A321 was hit by gunfire during an attempted landing at Toussaint Louverture International, injuring a flight attendant, and the aircraft was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
How Does This Affect Travelers Right Now?
The ripple effect of sunrise airways domestic flights canceled routes goes far beyond missed connections.
Due to Tortug’ Air ceasing operations in 2015, Sunrise Airways is Haiti’s only airline.
That means there is no domestic alternative.
People have had to choose between dangerous bus trips through gang-controlled roads or very costly helicopter rides.
Here is what our team has observed about the current state of travel within Haiti:
| Route | Status | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Port-au-Prince → Cap-Haïtien | Suspended | Overland (high-risk) or helicopter |
| Port-au-Prince → Les Cayes | Suspended | Road travel (gang-controlled areas) |
| Port-au-Prince → Jérémie | Suspended | Limited charter options |
| Cap-Haïtien → Miami | Operational | Direct via Sunrise Airways |
| Cap-Haïtien → Fort Lauderdale | Operational | 3x weekly via Sunrise Airways |
| Cap-Haïtien → Newark | Operational | Launched June 2026 |
| Cap-Haïtien → Boston | Operational | Launched March 2026 |
Sunrise Airways informed the public of the immediate suspension of all arriving and departing flights to and from Port-au-Prince until further notice, while all other routes are operating normally.
What Role Did the FAA Play?
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration moved aggressively after multiple shooting incidents.
The FAA ban on U.S. commercial flights to Haiti’s capital was extended to March 7, 2026 because of the risk that powerful gangs might attack flights with drones and small arms.
Haiti has been under a ban by the FAA since gangs fired upon three U.S. carriers as they flew over the capital; the ban doesn’t affect domestic carrier Sunrise, which operates the only flights between Haiti and the U.S.
However, the sunrise airways domestic flights canceled situation proved that even non-U.S. carriers operating domestically faced the exact same threats.
According to data from the U.S. Department of State travel advisories, Haiti remains at a Level 4: Do Not Travel designation.
United Airlines Cuba Flights Suspension Travelers Must Do Now
How Is Sunrise Airways Pivoting?
Industry insiders are noting that Sunrise Airways has adopted a bold strategy: expand internationally while domestic routes remain grounded.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport became the second U.S. destination served by Sunrise Airways, with the airline launching three-times-weekly service between Fort Lauderdale and Cap-Haïtien beginning December 15.
On Tuesday, March 17, Sunrise Airways opened a new flight route between Boston Logan International Airport and Cap-Haïtien.
Sunrise Airways is continuing its expansion of its regional network, launching two new routes between Cap-Haïtien and the Dominican Republic on June 26, 2026.
During Northern summer 2026 season, Sunrise Airways scheduled various regional route additions, including Cap-Haitien to Kingston, Punta Cana, Santiago de los Caballeros, and Santo Domingo.
This growth, however, is built on a fragile foundation when sunrise airways domestic flights canceled headlines return, investor and passenger confidence both take a hit.
TSA Checkpoint Philadelphia Closure
What Should You Do If Your Flight Is Canceled?
If you’re one of the travelers affected by the sunrise airways domestic flights canceled situation, here are step-by-step instructions:
- Check your booking status directly — Visit the Sunrise Airways cancellation notice board for real-time updates.
- Contact the airline’s commercial team — The airline stated that its commercial team will reach out to travelers with reservations to coordinate rebookings, credits, or refunds.
- Review your ticket purchase channel — For those who booked through travel agencies rather than directly via Sunrise’s platform, contacting the agency may be necessary since policies vary.
- Monitor the FAA NOTAM system — Check FAA TFRs for the latest airspace restrictions around Port-au-Prince.
- Consult travel insurance — If you purchased coverage, file a claim for trip interruption. Resources from the U.S. Travel Insurance Association can help guide your options.
- Explore alternate routing — Consider booking through Cap-Haïtien, which remains Sunrise’s operational hub for U.S.-bound flights.
- Stay updated via official channels — Follow alerts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for broader Caribbean airspace advisories.
Avelo Airlines West Coast Flights Cancellation
What Does This Mean for Caribbean Travel Enthusiasts?
The recurring pattern of sunrise airways domestic flights canceled operations exposes a structural vulnerability in Caribbean aviation.
While the airline serves as a critical lifeline for diaspora communities in the U.S. and others needing reliable travel in and out of Haiti, customers complain of canceled flights or having to wait for hours, and the airline doesn’t own its aircraft, which leaves it at the mercy of charter companies.
Earlier in 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime signed off on an assistance package for Sunrise to resume domestic operations, but the decision was taken without any visible improvements to the grounds of the airport.
More Info to Visit Betanden
