Gunfire forces U.S. flights out of Haiti’s skies, stranding passengers and halting aid amid escalating gang violence.
At a Glance
- FAA eases flight restrictions to northern Haiti after 30-day suspension due to security incidents
- Flights to six airports in northern Haiti resume, including Cap-Haïtien and Port-de-Paix
- Ban on flights to Port-au-Prince remains until December 12
- Gangs control 85% of Haiti’s capital, disrupting daily life and aid efforts
- Major airlines suspend flights to Port-au-Prince until at least February 12, 2025
FAA Eases Flight Restrictions to Northern Haiti
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revised its flight restrictions for U.S. airlines traveling to Haiti, allowing flights to resume to six airports in the northern part of the country. This decision comes after a 30-day suspension prompted by security incidents involving gunfire directed at commercial flights. The easing of restrictions opens up important air links to areas such as Port-de-Paix and Cap-Haïtien, while flights to Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, remain restricted until December 12.
The FAA’s decision allows flights to Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haïtien, Pignon, Jeremie, Antoine-Simon, and Jacmel. This partial resumption of air travel is significant for both international travelers and humanitarian efforts, helping to normalize transportation and aid routes in the northern regions of Haiti.
Haiti: Toussaint-Louverture airport in Port-au-Prince has resumed operations, but the number of flights remains limited. Not all air carriers have resumed flights. Confirm availability of flights through official websites or customer service agents. https://t.co/ehpGA43RLn pic.twitter.com/YRdehHuWVz
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) May 22, 2024
Security Incidents and Airline Responses
The FAA initially barred U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti after three planes were hit by gunfire. A Spirit Airlines plane was the third aircraft struck by bullets, resulting in an injury to a flight attendant and causing a temporary airport shutdown. The incident forced the flight to divert to the Dominican Republic instead of landing in Port-au-Prince.
In response to these security concerns, major airlines including JetBlue and American Airlines have suspended flights to Port-au-Prince until at least February 12, 2025. This extended suspension reflects the ongoing instability in the Haitian capital and surrounding areas.
Impact on Travel and Humanitarian Efforts
The flight stoppage had far-reaching consequences, stranding passengers globally and disrupting the flow of aid into Haiti. Even humanitarian flights were grounded, exacerbating the challenges faced by aid organizations attempting to provide assistance to the beleaguered nation.
The partial resumption of flights to northern Haiti provides a glimmer of hope for reconnecting the country with international support and resources. However, the continued restrictions on flights to Port-au-Prince underscore the persistent security challenges in the capital region.
Ongoing Instability and Gang Control
Haiti has been embroiled in turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse over three years ago, with powerful gangs seizing control of large portions of the country. The situation has deteriorated further this year, with gangs attacking police stations, freeing prisoners, and seizing neighborhoods.
According to United Nations reports, gangs now control an alarming 85 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This level of gang dominance has severely disrupted daily life, compromised public safety, and hampered the ability of the government and international organizations to provide essential services and humanitarian aid.
