On Wednesday, another group of Americans was evacuated from Haiti on a US-chartered helicopter flight as the nation grapples with rampant gang violence and political instability. The State Department anticipates multiple trips to ensure the safe return of US citizens.
The recent flight transported over 15 US citizens from Port-au-Prince, with plans to accommodate more than 30 Americans on each chartered flight. The security situation, availability of commercial transportation, and citizen demand will determine the duration of evacuation assistance.
The city's international airport remains closed due to coordinated gang attacks, forcing evacuation flights to land in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Evacuated Americans are responsible for their onward travel arrangements.
Americans evacuated by the US government must agree to reimburse the cost, capped at the price of a reasonable commercial flight. The State Department is exploring additional evacuation options from Cap-Haitien, where the first chartered flight to Miami originated.
Despite ongoing evacuation efforts, hundreds of US citizens remain in Haiti, with nearly 1,000 individuals seeking assistance or information from US officials. The deteriorating conditions in Port-au-Prince have led to food, fuel, and water shortages, as criminal groups control essential supplies.
While some wealthy foreigners and diplomats can afford private evacuation helicopters, most Haitians lack the means to leave. Nonprofit organizations like Project DYNAMO are also coordinating rescue missions for stranded Americans in remote areas.
As violence escalates, the United Nations is working to establish an air bridge between Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo to deliver vital supplies to the city.
