World FAA bans U.S. flights to Haiti after bullets hit 3 planes

The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed a 30-day ban on U.S. airlines flying to Haiti following the shooting of three planes by gangs, and the United Nations has also temporarily halted flights to Port-au-Prince, affecting the influx of humanitarian aid. A Spirit Airlines aircraft was struck by gunfire as it approached the capital on Monday, resulting in an injury to a flight attendant and the closure of the airport. The Associated Press released images and videos showing the plane's interior riddled with bullet holes.

JetBlue and American Airlines discovered bullet damage to their aircraft after departing Port-au-Prince on Monday, leading to American Airlines suspending its flights to the city until the 12th of February 2025. These incidents are part of a surge in violence coinciding with the swearing-in of Haiti's new prime minister amidst political upheaval. According to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the organization recorded 20 armed conflicts and increased roadblocks that interfered with humanitarian efforts on Monday.

The Port-au-Prince airport is scheduled to remain closed until November 18, with the U.N. planning to reroute flights to Cap Haïtien, a calmer city in the north. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a security alert on Monday, noting the presence of gang-led initiatives to obstruct travel in and out of the capital, potentially involving armed conflict and disruptions to transportation infrastructure.

The embassy has cautioned that Haiti's security situation is volatile and perilous, advising that travel within the country is risky and the safety of travelers to airports, borders, or during further travel cannot be assured by the U.S. government. Individuals are urged to assess their personal security circumstances prior to any travel within Haiti.