FAA Suspends U.S. Flights to Haiti Following Gunfire on Planes Amid Worsening Gang Violence

On Wednesday, November 13th, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 30-day suspension of U.S. flights to Haiti after gunfire struck three planes, including a Spirit Airlines flight, as gang violence escalated in Port-au-Prince. The incident has heightened concerns about security in the Caribbean nation, where gang-controlled areas have grown, impacting daily life and humanitarian operations.

The suspension follows an alarming event on Monday, November 11, when bullets hit a Spirit Airlines plane preparing to land in Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant. Subsequent inspections revealed that American Airlines and JetBlue flights departing Haiti had also been struck. Spirit Airlines has since suspended operations, while American Airlines will halt flights until at least February 12, 2025. The Port-au-Prince airport will remain closed until November 18, and flights are being redirected to Cap Haïtien in northern Haiti.

The escalating violence coincided with the swearing-in of Haiti’s new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, replacing former interim leader Garry Conille amid political turmoil. The transitional council overseeing this change has been criticized for exacerbating instability, with the U.S. State Department urging unity to address the crisis and restore democratic order. “The acute and immediate needs of the Haitian people mandate that the transitional government prioritize governance over personal interests,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

The violence has led to severe disruptions, including roadblocks and canceled humanitarian operations, such as the delivery of food and medical supplies. The United Nations estimates gangs control 85% of Port-au-Prince, making it nearly impossible to ensure the safety of residents. “This cowardly crime threatens Haiti’s sovereignty and security,” the transitional council declared, vowing justice for those responsible.

Haitians have expressed frustration over the ongoing crisis, highlighting the lack of security and economic stability. One Haitian citizen who relies on selling vegetables asked, “What good is a new prime minister if there’s no security, if I can’t move freely and sell my goods?” This embodies the plight of many Haitians caught between political inaction and gang violence.

As the situation worsens, international actors, including the U.S. and the United Nations, are calling for urgent measures to stabilize Haiti, reopen humanitarian aid routes, and pave the way for long-overdue elections.