Canada has announced that it will be adding an additional evacuation flight for citizens in Haiti next week, following last-minute requests. The decision was made in response to the ongoing political and social unrest in the country.
According to the Canadian government, the flight will depart from Port-au-Prince on March 12 and will have the capacity to bring back approximately 130 passengers. This is in addition to the two previously scheduled flights on March 8 and 10, which are expected to bring back a total of 400 Canadians.
The decision to add another flight was made after the Canadian embassy in Haiti received numerous requests from citizens who were unable to secure a spot on the first two flights. The embassy has been working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety and timely departure of all Canadians.
The situation in Haiti has been volatile in recent weeks, with widespread protests and violence erupting over allegations of government corruption and economic struggles. The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for Haiti, urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the country.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Canadians in Haiti. “We are committed to bringing our citizens home as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.
The Canadian government has also advised citizens who are unable to secure a spot on the evacuation flights to consider leaving the country through commercial means. However, with the ongoing unrest and limited flight options, this may prove to be a difficult task.
The additional evacuation flight is a welcome relief for Canadians in Haiti who have been anxiously waiting for a way to return home. The Canadian government has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safe and timely return of its citizens.
As the situation in Haiti continues to unfold, the Canadian government will continue to monitor and assess the need for further evacuation efforts. For now, the focus remains on bringing Canadians home and providing them with the necessary support and assistance.
