Haitian Airspace Locked Down: US Flights Suspended Amid Security Crisis

As violence escalates in Haiti, US aviation authorities halt operations in response to gunfire incidents involving multiple airlines.

US aviation regulators have imposed a temporary suspension of flights to Haiti by American carriers, lasting at least 30 days, due to escalating violence targeting aircraft in the region. Multiple incidents occurred on a single day, leading to gunfire directed at planes operated by JetBlue, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, all departing from Port-au-Prince.

One such incident involved a Spirit flight attendant who sustained minor injuries, whereas no passengers were reported hurt. In light of these attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a preventive Notice to Air Missions (Notam), prohibiting flights within a 10,000-foot altitude limit over Haitian territory, citing ongoing “safety-of-flight risks.”

A thorough investigation is underway, with the FBI entering the fold to assist local law enforcement regarding the Spirit Airlines incident. They stated they are monitoring the situation but are currently refraining from further comments.

Haiti has experienced a dramatic increase in gang violence, especially since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Reports highlight that over 3,600 lives have been lost to violence this year, forcing more than half a million individuals to flee their homes, as noted by the UN. The US has a significant Haitian diaspora and longstanding ties with the troubled nation.

In independent moves, the involved airlines opted to halt their flights in response to the recent safety threats. American Airlines disclosed that one of its aircraft, American Flight 819, was struck by gunfire, which was uncovered in a post-flight inspection after arriving in Miami. A similar incident was reported from JetBlue regarding Flight 634, which arrived in New York with signs of bullet damage.

Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines Flight 951, diverted to the Dominican Republic while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince after being targeted, landed safely at Santiago Airport.

The US Embassy in Haiti advised citizens of ongoing "gang-led efforts to hinder travel" and characterized the regional security situation as "unpredictable and dangerous." These attacks coincided with the appointment of a new Haitian prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who expressed a commitment to restoring security within the nation.

Amid this turmoil, the US State Department has called on Haitian leadership to prioritize public welfare over personal interests, emphasizing that immediate action is vital to meet the acute needs of the Haitian people during these tumultuous times.