Quantcast

FAA extends flight restrictions over Haiti amid rising gang violence

Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger tries opening plane door mid-flight, gets zip-tied by veterans
FAA extends flight restrictions over Haiti amid rising gang violence
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended flight restrictions for US airlines in Haitian airspace until March 12, 2025. This decision follows a series of violent incidents at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, where gang violence has been on the rise. The airport had been closed to commercial flights for most of November due to safety concerns.

In November 2024, several commercial aircraft from Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines were hit by gunfire while preparing to land at the airport. Although there were no fatalities, these attacks led to significant safety concerns. A flight attendant was injured aboard a Spirit Airlines plane, prompting the FAA to initially ban US airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days. This restriction has now been extended.

Under the FAA's Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), US aircraft are prohibited from flying over Haiti below an altitude of 10,000 feet due to security threats posed by armed gangs around the capital. These restrictions were first enforced after shooting incidents on November 11 and were intended to be lifted in December but have been prolonged due to ongoing insecurity.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Despite these limitations, Toussaint Louverture International Airport officially reopened for commercial flights on December 11. The reopening is seen as crucial for Haiti's transportation and tourism sectors, which have suffered significantly due to escalating violence.

The Haitian government views the airport's reopening as a pivotal moment for economic recovery. In a statement from the prime minister's office, officials described it as part of "a strategic approach aimed at restoring a secure environment and relaunching economic activities," calling it a "turning point" for the economy.

To ensure safety at the airport and surrounding areas, additional security measures have been implemented. These include increased patrols and checkpoints coordinated between national police, army forces, and an international force supported by the United Nations and led by Kenya.

The US State Department issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti in mid-September 2024 due to civil instability and gang violence posing risks such as kidnappings and armed robberies near the airport. Consequently, US Embassy staff are advised to use official transportation when traveling between their location and the airport.

Haiti continues grappling with severe gang violence affecting its capital and other regions. A recent massacre orchestrated by gangs in Cite Soleil resulted in about 180 deaths last weekend. More than 700,000 people nationwide have been displaced amid dangerous food shortages according to UN data.

The closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport further strained Haiti’s fragile economy already impacted by inflation, lack of essential services, and political uncertainty. Violence complicates aid delivery efforts exacerbating hardships faced by Haitians.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025