U.S. Airlines Suspend Haiti Flights Amid Gunfire Threat

The future of U.S. airline operations to Haiti is in jeopardy following gunfire hitting multiple aircraft over Port-au-Prince on November 11. American Airlines has become the third U.S. carrier to confirm that one of its planes was struck, joining JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines in suspending flights to the Caribbean nation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a temporary ban on U.S. carriers operating in Haiti or flying below 10,000 feet in the country’s airspace for at least 30 days. This measure is in response to the escalating security instability surrounding the capital, Port-au-Prince, and its airport, Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport (PAP).

American Airlines confirmed that its Boeing 737-8 aircraft was hit by a bullet while flying over PAP. Fortunately, Flight 819 from Port-au-Prince to Miami landed safely, though a post-flight inspection revealed damage to the exterior of the aircraft. As a result, American Airlines has suspended its daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince through February 12, 2025, citing safety concerns.

The U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince has warned that the area around PAP remains unstable due to ongoing violence and gang-related activity. The embassy has confirmed that PAP operations have been temporarily halted, with flights canceled until further notice. U.S. citizens in Haiti have been advised to stay away from the airport, as traveling there is deemed unsafe.

Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways have also confirmed that their aircraft were struck by gunfire on the same day. Spirit’s A320neo, en route to PAP from Fort Lauderdale, was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic after being hit while attempting to land. Similarly, a JetBlue A320 flying from PAP to New York’s JFK Airport also had bullet damage, discovered during a post-flight inspection.

As of November 11, there were 28 weekly flights between the U.S. and Port-au-Prince. In addition to American Airlines’ daily service, JetBlue operates daily flights from Fort Lauderdale and JFK, while Spirit Airlines also serves PAP daily from Fort Lauderdale.

The U.S. embassy in Haiti has urged American citizens affected by flight cancellations to contact their airlines for updates and advised against traveling to the airport until commercial flights resume.

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U.S. Airlines Suspend Haiti Flights Amid Gunfire Threat

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