In a dramatic turn of events, flights from the United States to Haiti have been suspended following reports of gunfire targeting commercial aircraft. This security concern has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue an emergency advisory, halting low-altitude flights over Haitian airspace.
FAA Restrictions and Flight Suspensions
On Tuesday, the FAA announced that U.S. airlines and other civilian aircraft are now prohibited from flying below 10,000 feet over Haiti for a period of 30 days. The FAA’s directive follows incidents on Monday, when planes from Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines were struck by gunfire near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. This advisory is intended to protect aircraft from ongoing violence and unrest surrounding the capital city.
Spirit Airlines: Emergency Landing and Crew Injury
One of the most serious incidents involved a Spirit Airlines flight, NK951, which was en route from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Port-au-Prince. Shortly before landing, the plane was reportedly hit by gunfire, forcing it to divert to Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI). While there were no passenger injuries, one flight attendant sustained minor injuries and received medical attention.
A Spirit Airlines spokesperson reported, “Following the flight’s arrival at STI, an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire. The plane has been taken out of service, and we are arranging for a different aircraft to return our Guests and crew to FLL. The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haitien (CAP) pending further evaluation.”
JetBlue and American Airlines: Discovery of Damage Post-Flight
JetBlue also faced a close call when flight 935, departing from Port-au-Prince to New York’s JFK Airport, was apparently struck by a bullet. The aircraft landed safely in New York, and the damage was only discovered during a post-flight inspection. In a statement, JetBlue confirmed, “While no issues were initially reported by the operating crew, a post-flight inspection later identified that the aircraft’s exterior had been struck by a bullet. We are actively investigating this incident in collaboration with relevant authorities.”
Similarly, an American Airlines flight, returning from Haiti to Miami, was found to have sustained gunfire damage. Fortunately, the plane landed safely in Miami, and no injuries were reported. The airline is also cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident.
Travel Waivers and Suspensions from Major Airlines
In response to these events, Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines, the only U.S. carriers serving Haiti, have implemented travel waivers. This allows passengers with flights to or from Haiti to change their travel plans without incurring additional fees. American Airlines has also extended its suspension of flights to Haiti until at least February 12, 2024.
U.S. State Department Issues “Do Not Travel” Advisory
This increase in violence in Haiti has drawn attention from U.S. government officials. On September 18, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti, citing ongoing civil unrest and violence. The advisory warns U.S. citizens against traveling to Haiti due to security concerns, limited medical care, and difficulties in accessing support in emergencies.
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
As the situation in Haiti remains unstable, aviation safety experts and authorities are closely monitoring developments. Airlines are also actively cooperating with investigations, seeking to understand the risks posed to their passengers and crews. The incidents have highlighted the challenges facing Haiti amid its political and social crises and underscored the risks involved in operating in regions with high levels of civil unrest.