The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has eased restrictions on United States commercial flights to and from Haiti.
On November 21, 2024, the FAA announced that US flights to six airports in Haiti can now restart. This allows commercial flights from the US to land at Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP), Port-de-Paix Airport (PAX), Pignon Airport (PGN), Jérémie Airport (JEE), Antoine-Simon Airport (CYA) and Jacmel Airport (JAK).
The agency added that the flight ban to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince (PAP), will stay in effect until December 12, 2024.
This decision follows the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on November 12, 2024. The FAA has banned US air carriers and commercial operators “from operating at altitudes from surface up to 10,000 feet in the territory and airspace of Haiti”. The notice was issued after multiple reports of gunfire incidents involving US carriers in the area.
A Spirit Airlines aircraft attempting to land in Port-au-Prince on November 11, 2024, was hit by gunfire. That same day, it was revealed that aircraft from JetBlue and American Airlines had also come under gunfire while flying over the capital.
The shootings were part of a wave of violence caused by gang activity in the country. According to the latest update from the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince from November 19, 2024, armed violence and disruptions to ports and airports are widespread in Port-au-Prince. Additionally, many neighborhoods have barricades, and normal traffic is affected.
The security situation in Haiti remains “unpredictable and dangerous,” according to the statement from the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince.
“The US government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel,” officials at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said. “You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti.”