The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive prohibiting U.S. airlines from flying into Haiti for 30 days due to security concerns following incidents where gunfire struck three commercial jetliners on November 11, 2024. This decision was made in response to escalating violence in Haiti, particularly around its capital, Port-au-Prince, where the incidents occurred. The affected airlines include Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines. A Spirit Airlines flight en route to Port-au-Prince from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was forced to divert to Santiago, Dominican Republic, after being hit by gunfire, with one flight attendant sustaining minor injuries. JetBlue reported that one of its aircraft was discovered to have been struck by a bullet after landing in New York from Haiti, while American Airlines also found bullet damage on one of its planes post-flight from Port-au-Prince to Miami.
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These incidents have prompted immediate operational changes; JetBlue extended its suspension of flights to and from Haiti until December 2, while American Airlines has ceased its daily service to Port-au-Prince through February 12. Spirit Airlines has suspended its service to both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien pending further evaluation.
The backdrop to these events is the significant political and social unrest in Haiti, characterized by gang violence that has escalated in recent months. The gunfire incidents are not isolated, as a similar event occurred last month when a United Nations helicopter was also hit by gunfire over Port-au-Prince. The Haitian government, through its newly appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, has pledged to address the security situation, which includes tackling gang violence that's disrupting normal life, including air travel.
The FAA's decision to bar U.S. flights comes as part of broader safety measures, prohibiting operations below 10,000 feet across Haitian airspace for the specified period. This measure aims to protect both passengers and crew from the unpredictable and dangerous conditions on the ground. The ban reflects the gravity of the situation, where even international air travel has become a target in the ongoing conflict. The move also signals a call for international attention and action to restore stability in Haiti, ensuring safe travel conditions can be reestablished swiftly.