In the wake of increased violence in Haiti, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has placed a temporary ban on passenger flights from US carriers to the Caribbean nation. The suspension comes after three separate gunfire incidents targeting planes originating from Haiti, which prompted immediate safety concerns.
US Halts Flights to Haiti After Gun Attacks on Passengers
US Halts Flights to Haiti After Gun Attacks on Passengers
US aviation authorities suspend airline operations to Haiti for 30 days following violent incidents involving passenger planes.
The decision followed multiple gun attacks on Monday that involved flights operated by JetBlue, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Reports confirm that while no passengers were harmed, one flight attendant suffered minor injuries on the Spirit Airlines flight. The FAA, citing "safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing security instability," issued a Notice to Air Missions (Notam) that restricts US flights from approaching within 10,000ft of Haitian airspace.
Investigators from the FBI have also stepped in to examine the circumstances of the Spirit Airlines incident. As the FBI collaborates with local law enforcement, they have stated they cannot comment further due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The violence in Haiti has escalated dramatically since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. According to the United Nations, over 3,600 individuals have lost their lives to gang violence this year, with more than 500,000 people displaced from their homes. The turmoil has cast significant uncertainties on US-Haiti relations, particularly given the large Haitian community residing in the United States.
In light of the attacks, the airlines themselves had already initiated their suspensions before the FAA's announcement. American Airlines reported that one of its aircraft was found to have sustained bullet damage upon arrival in Miami after a flight from Haiti. JetBlue and Spirit Airlines also confirmed their planes were affected by gunfire incidents, with a key Spirit flight diverted to the Dominican Republic for safety.
The US embassy in Port-au-Prince acknowledged these growing security risks, emphasizing the unpredictable and dangerous environment prevailing in Haiti. Amid this chaos, newly appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé emphasized his commitment to restoring security throughout the country.
The US State Department echoed the call for stability, urging Haiti's leaders to focus on governance and public safety above personal interests. The urgent situation facing the nation demands that its transitional government place the needs of its people as the utmost priority.
Investigators from the FBI have also stepped in to examine the circumstances of the Spirit Airlines incident. As the FBI collaborates with local law enforcement, they have stated they cannot comment further due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The violence in Haiti has escalated dramatically since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. According to the United Nations, over 3,600 individuals have lost their lives to gang violence this year, with more than 500,000 people displaced from their homes. The turmoil has cast significant uncertainties on US-Haiti relations, particularly given the large Haitian community residing in the United States.
In light of the attacks, the airlines themselves had already initiated their suspensions before the FAA's announcement. American Airlines reported that one of its aircraft was found to have sustained bullet damage upon arrival in Miami after a flight from Haiti. JetBlue and Spirit Airlines also confirmed their planes were affected by gunfire incidents, with a key Spirit flight diverted to the Dominican Republic for safety.
The US embassy in Port-au-Prince acknowledged these growing security risks, emphasizing the unpredictable and dangerous environment prevailing in Haiti. Amid this chaos, newly appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé emphasized his commitment to restoring security throughout the country.
The US State Department echoed the call for stability, urging Haiti's leaders to focus on governance and public safety above personal interests. The urgent situation facing the nation demands that its transitional government place the needs of its people as the utmost priority.
