After a month-long flight ban triggered by gunfire incidents, the FAA has reopened six northern Haitian airports to U.S. carriers. However, the main airport in Port-au-Prince stays off-limits due to escalating gang violence.
U.S. Flights Resume to Six Airports in Northern Haiti Amid Ongoing Turmoil
U.S. Flights Resume to Six Airports in Northern Haiti Amid Ongoing Turmoil
The FAA lifts flight restrictions to select Haitian airports while major capital hub remains closed due to violence.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that it would permit U.S. flights to return to six airports in northern Haiti, following a month-long closure that was instituted after a series of gunfire incidents threatened commercial air travel in the region. Notably, the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's primary gateway, will remain off-limits for American carriers until at least December 12.
The decision to reopen airports in Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haïtien, Pignon, Jeremie, Antoine-Simon, and Jacmel comes after significant disruptions in air traffic that began on November 12. This suspension followed a troubling event where three commercial airlines encountered gunfire, including a Spirit Airlines flight that had to make an emergency diversion to the Dominican Republic. Not only did this halt commercial flights, but the closure also impeded vital humanitarian efforts as aid flights were likewise grounded.
Haiti has faced escalating instability for over three years since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse. Gangs have increasingly filled the void of authority, controlling major roads and ports and committing rampant violence including kidnappings, killings, and attacks on law enforcement. This year, the situation has deteriorated further as rival gangs have united, attacking police stations and liberating inmates, essentially overhauling entire neighborhoods. According to reports from the United Nations, gang violence has now spread to effectively control around 85 percent of the capital.
With the reopening of these northern airports, there is cautious optimism for the resumption of normal air traffic and humanitarian assistance to Haiti. However, the ongoing situation continues to provide a backdrop of uncertainty, especially as Port-au-Prince remains a focal point for violence and upheaval.
