FAA May Ban Flights to Haiti After Attack on Spirit Airlines Plane

12.11.2024 - 22:06 / travelpulse.com / Lacey Pfalz

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to make a decision whether or not to halt all flights heading to Haiti from the United States following the November 11 incident when Haitian gangs targeted a Spirit Airlines flight that was trying to land in the half-island nation’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. 

Spirit Airlines Flight 951, according to the FAA incident report, was damaged by gunfire while trying to land following its flight from Fort Lauderdale. After shots went through the cabin of the aircraft, the pilots diverted to land at Cibao International Airport in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. 

Following the incident, two other inbound flights were diverted before the Toussaint Louverture International Airport closed. Spirit and American Airlines have canceled their flights to the half-island nation through at least Thursday, while JetBlue is canceling its service through December 2, according to Reuters. 

ABC News also reported that a JetBlue flight from New York City was also struck by a bullet when attempting to land in Port-au-Prince. 

Haiti has been embattled in civil unrest and gang-led violence since February of this year, spurred by the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moïse. The airport in its capital city had reopened in May following a closure beginning this March, also led by gang-related activity that has targeted the airport’s ability to welcome aid and visitors. 

The U.S. Department of State has classified Haiti as a Level 4: Do Not Travel for many months, but it issued a new statement following this week’s incident: “The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is aware of gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports. The U.S. Embassy is aware of a temporary pause in operations at the Toussaint Louverture airport as of November 11, 2024.” 

“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.”

The U.S. Embassy also announced it would be limiting its services today, November 12, in the wake of the incident due to “continued violence throughout the city and near the U.S. Embassy.”

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