The United States civil aviation regulator has grounded all flights to Haiti for a month following incidents of two jets from US-based airlines being struck by bullets while flying over Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, amidst escalating gang violence.
Spirit Airlines reported that one of its planes was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince, resulting in minor injuries to a crew member. JetBlue also found damage from a bullet on one of its planes returning from Haiti.
Haitian authorities have suspended flights in and out of Port-au-Prince for a week, and the US’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice prohibiting US civil aviation operations in Haiti below 10,000 feet for 30 days.
Haiti has been plagued by widespread gang activity and political chaos for nearly a year, with international actors also facing direct violence in recent weeks. Last month, a United Nations helicopter was hit by bullets over Port-au-Prince, and in October, gangs targeted US Embassy vehicles with gunfire, leading to the evacuation of 20 embassy staffers.
In late February and early March, coordinated gang attacks forced the closure of both the airport and main seaport in the Haitian capital, disrupting the flow of vital supplies of food and humanitarian aid to the nation.
Spirit Airlines Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was diverted to the Dominican Republic after evidence of damage consistent with gunfire was found during an inspection. The airline has suspended services to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien.
JetBlue and American Airlines also temporarily canceled flights to and from Haiti in response to the incidents. JetBlue extended its flight suspension through December 2 after identifying bullet damage on one of its planes returning from Haiti.
Haiti's transitional council recently swore in a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who vowed to restore democracy and security in the country. Fils-Aimé was formally sworn in on Monday, emphasizing the need to reestablish security as a priority during the transition.
The United States expressed readiness to collaborate with Fils-Aimé and the council but urged Haiti's transitional government to prioritize governance over personal interests. Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down earlier this year amid escalating gang violence.
