America’s FAA has halted all flights to Haiti for at least 30 days following gunfire incidents targeting U.S. airlines. With gang warfare surging in Haiti, the situation remains perilous for both travelers and residents.
U.S. Flights to Haiti Temporarily Suspended Amid Rising Gun Violence
U.S. Flights to Haiti Temporarily Suspended Amid Rising Gun Violence
The FAA halts flights to Haiti after violent gun attacks on passenger planes, urging safety amid escalating chaos in the Caribbean nation.
In response to escalating safety concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended flights by U.S. carriers to Haiti for a minimum of 30 days. This decision follows three distinct gunfire incidents on a single day, involving aircraft from JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines as they departed from the country. Passengers and crews aboard these flights thankfully escaped serious injury, but the threatening reality has prompted significant concern.
On Monday, reports indicated that Spirit Airlines had a flight attendant sustain minor injuries in an attack; however, all passengers remained unharmed. In light of these security threats, the FAA issued a Notice to Air Missions (Notam), declaring that flights would be forbidden within 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) of Haitian airspace due to grave safety-of-flight risks stemming from ongoing instability.
The FBI is now engaged in probing the attacks, with officials confirming they are collaborating with local law enforcement. A spokesperson mentioned, “The FBI is aware of the incident and is working with our law enforcement partners.” Given the surge in violent gang activity that has plagued the nation ever since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the safety of travel to and from Haiti has become increasingly precarious.
According to United Nations reports, over 3,600 individuals have lost their lives in this turmoil since January, with more than half a million Haitians forcibly displaced from their homes due to the escalating violence. The close ties between the U.S. and Haiti, underscored by a large Haitian diaspora living in America, heighten the stakes for U.S. airlines and travelers.
As a result of the recent attacks, the three airlines had previously decided to independently suspend their flights. American Airlines disclosed that one of its aircraft, Flight 819, had sustained bullet damage but was identified post-landing in Miami, while JetBlue reported similar findings upon landing in New York after a return from Port-au-Prince. Spirit Airlines had its flight, which had to divert to the Dominican Republic for safety, struck by gunfire while attempting to land in Haiti.
The actions taking place in Haiti coincide with the appointment of a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who expressed his commitment to restoring security within the nation. The U.S. embassy in Haiti has acknowledged the ongoing dangers, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of security in the region.
In the meantime, the U.S. State Department has urged Haitian leaders to prioritize governance and the urgent needs of the people over personal interests, pressing for a collaborative approach to stabilize the country amid this growing crisis.
