Haiti’s violent protests

over gas prices shut down flights to the island from Fort Lauderdale.

FORT LAUDERDALE – Some flights from Haiti resumed Sunday after protests over a proposed increase in fuel prices ordered by the government caused airlines to stop service to and from the island.

“We’re continuing to monitor the situation, but we expect normal operation,” American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing said Sunday.

Four of the airline’s flights were back in the air by early Sunday afternoon — one to New York, two to Miami and one to Fort Lauderdale. The company cancelled three flights earlier in the day.

Greg Meyer, spokesman for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, said airlines canceled flights to Haiti on Friday after violence erupted on the island. “Due to civil unrest in Haiti, some scheduled commercial flights from FLL to this Caribbean destination are canceled until further notice,” said a travel advisory posted on Twitter. “If you have travel plans to Haiti this week, please check with your airline for the latest update.”

Haiti Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant called for Haitians to stop burning tires and blocking roads in response to a plan to hike the price of fuel on the island. He temporarily suspended the price increase on Saturday.

The U.S. Department of State issued a warning to U.S. travelers in Haiti, urging them take shelter until they’ve confirmed their flight status.

“Due to continuing demonstrations, roadblocks, and violence across Port-au-Prince and throughout Haiti, U.S. citizens should shelter in place,” the notice said. “Do not travel to the airport unless you confirmed your flight is departing.”