FAA Imposes 30-Day Flight Ban to Haiti After Gunfire Hits Three Planes

Following the recent gunfire incident involving a Spirit Airlines flight, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken further action. On Tuesday, the FAA announced it would bar U.S. airlines from operating in Haiti for 30 days due to ongoing safety concerns. This comes after three commercial jetliners, including Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines, were struck by gunfire while flying over the country.

American Airlines confirmed that its flight, American Flight 819, was also hit by a bullet during its journey from Port-au-Prince. The airline has suspended all flights to Haiti until February 12, 2024, as it continues to cooperate with authorities in the investigation.

The FAA has published a Notice to Air Mission, preventing U.S. airlines from flying in Haiti's airspace below 10,000 feet for the next month. This measure aims to address the significant safety risks posed by the deteriorating security situation in the country.

In response to the escalating violence, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who assumed office on Monday, pledged to improve security and address the ongoing unrest in the capital. However, the rise of armed gangs and frequent attacks on aircraft highlight the urgent need for enhanced stability in Haiti.

This growing instability has made travel to and from Haiti increasingly difficult, with air travel operations heavily impacted.

Read More: Gunfire Strikes Spirit Airlines Plane, Injures Crew Member Over Haiti