US Flights To Haiti Suspended For Month After Attacks

Posted by: lukwago J in World news November 13, 2024

In response to a series of gun attacks on planes departing from Haiti, the US aviation regulator has made the difficult decision to suspend flights by American carriers to the country for a minimum of 30 days. The incidents, which occurred within a single day, targeted aircraft from JetBlue, Spirit, and American Airlines shortly after their departure from Port-au-Prince.

While no passengers were harmed, a flight attendant sustained minor injuries during the attack on the Spirit plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took swift action by issuing a Notice to Air Missions (Notam) prohibiting flights to Haiti due to the perceived safety risks caused by the ongoing security instability in the region.

As a result, US flights are now restricted from operating within 10,000 feet of Haitian territory and airspace.

Following the shooting on the Spirit plane, the FBI has become involved in the investigation. The agency, along with other law enforcement partners, is actively working to gather information and assess the situation. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, the FBI refrained from providing further details at this time.

Escalating violence in Haiti

Haiti has been grappling with a surge in violent gang activity since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

The nation, already the poorest in the Americas, has witnessed over 3,600 fatalities and forced displacements exceeding 500,000 individuals since the beginning of the year, as reported by the UN.

Against this backdrop, the US has a significant Haitian diaspora and maintains close ties with the country.

In response to the recent attacks, all three US airlines involved had voluntarily suspended their flights prior to the FAA’s directive. American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines each took independent measures to ensure the safety of their operations.

American Airlines discovered bullet damage on Flight 819 post-landing in Miami, while JetBlue Airways Flight 634 and Spirit Airlines Flight 951 were also affected by gunfire incidents.

The US embassy in Haiti acknowledged the challenges posed by gang-related activities disrupting travel to and from Port-au-Prince, emphasizing the unpredictable and hazardous security situation in the country.

Amidst these developments, Haiti welcomed a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who expressed his commitment to restoring security.

The US State Department urged Haitian leaders to prioritize governance over personal interests, emphasizing the urgent need to address the critical issues facing the nation.

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