The aviation and travel industries are assessing the impact of a new travel ban imposed by the United States affecting nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, blocking entry into the country.
The ban takes effect at 12:01 a.m., Monday – a cushion that may avoid the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice in 2017.
There will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
Haiti is the only country of the twelve which had direct flights to the USA. American Airlines has suspended flights from Miami to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, while JetBlue routes from Fort Lauderdale and New York–JFK and Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale have already been suspended.
President Donald Trump introduced this new measure after addressing about 3,000 political appointees, a repeat of previously established travel bans during his first term.
Exemptions from the ban will be granted for athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, ensuring their travel remains unaffected.
Each country listed in the ban has been cited for failing to provide competent passport processing and vetting, with Iran’s inclusion based on its status as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The travel ban has been anticipated to face legal challenges, amid concerns about the impact on American families and individuals unable to reunite for important life events.
