The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a 30-day ban on U.S. civilian flights to and from Haiti following a worrying incident in which a Spirit Airlines aircraft was struck by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince. The FAA’s directive further restricts U.S. flights from flying below 10,000 feet within Haitian airspace.
This measure follows an alarming event on Monday when Spirit Airlines Flight 951, traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince, was diverted to Santiago in the Dominican Republic after being hit by gunfire. The airline confirmed that while there were no passenger injuries, a flight attendant sustained minor injuries.
Similarly, an American Airlines flight from Port-au-Prince to Miami reported being targeted by gunfire on the same day. Though the aircraft landed safely without injuries, a subsequent inspection confirmed that the plane’s exterior had been hit by a bullet. As a result, American Airlines has suspended all flights to Haiti’s capital until February 12. JetBlue Airways has also taken precautionary measures by halting its services to Haiti.
The U.S. State Department has issued warnings, stating that the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince is informed of gang-related activities attempting to obstruct travel to and from the city. These actions, which may involve armed violence, have reportedly affected roads, ports, and airports, leading to significant travel disruptions.
This series of escalating threats signifies the growing instability within Haiti, prompting U.S. airlines and federal authorities to take decisive actions to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew, and highlighting the broader security concerns affecting the region.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/12/faa-ban-us-haiti-flights.html
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