Suspension of US Flights to Haiti Following Violent Attacks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indefinitely banned US carriers from flying to Haiti after multiple gun attacks on aircraft originating from the country.

In a troubling development for travelers, US aviation authorities have suspended flights to Haiti for at least 30 days due to alarming security concerns. This decision came in response to several gunfire incidents reported on Monday, where planes from JetBlue, Spirit, and American Airlines were all struck by bullets while departing from Port-au-Prince.

Fortunately, injuries were minimal; a flight attendant on the Spirit Airlines flight experienced minor injuries, and no passengers were harmed. Following these incidents, the FAA issued a Notice to Air Missions (Notam) that forbids US flights from entering within 10,000 feet of Haitian airspace, citing "safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing security instability."

As the situation develops, the FBI has also become involved, stating it is collaborating with local law enforcement on the investigation. In the wake of these attacks, significant unrest has swept through Haiti, which has been plagued by violent gang warfare since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The United Nations reported that over 3,600 people have been killed this year alone and more than 500,000 have been displaced.

Both American Airlines and JetBlue independently halted their flights earlier after discovering bullet damage to aircraft in post-flight inspections. American Flight 819 sustained damage during its operation in Haiti, while JetBlue’s Flight 634 was found with bullet marks upon its arrival in New York. Similarly, a Spirit Airlines flight was diverted to the Dominican Republic after sustaining gunfire upon its landing approach to Port-au-Prince.

In light of the deteriorating situation, the US embassy in Haiti expressed awareness of gang-related disruptions impacting travel. Amidst this chaos, newly appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has declared his aim to restore security in the country. The US State Department has urged Haiti's leaders to prioritize governance and address the pressing needs of Haitians over personal interests.