Nicaragua/US: American Airlines cancels flights between Miami and Managua June 11, 12, and 13

Event

American Airlines has announced that flights AA993 and AA994 between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) have been canceled on June 11, 12, and 13 due to ongoing civil disturbances throughout Nicaragua. American Airlines intends to resume flights between the airports from Tuesday, June 19.

Context

Highly disruptive protests, often marred with deadly violence, continue to be held on a regular basis amid the sociopolitical crisis ongoing in Nicaragua since mid-April. The unrest, which began with a small student protest in Managua on April 18 before rapidly expanding, has been ongoing now for nearly two months. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, leaving more than 130 people dead. Hundreds of others have been injured, arrested, and/or reported missing. Activists have accused the government of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, and attacking the press. Means of communication have been censored and blocked on numerous occasions and further cuts are likely, particularly on days when larger protests are anticipated. Mediation efforts overseen by the Catholic Church have broken down.

Advice

Potentially affected travelers are advised to contact American Airlines regarding reimbursement claims and alternative transportation routes.

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to closely monitor the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments. Some countries, including the US, the UK, and France, continue to advise their nationals to postpone nonessential travel to the country until further notice.