The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted restrictions on U.S. flights to six airports in northern Haiti, allowing airlines to resume service this week.
The FAA had previously banned flights earlier this month due to a rise in gang violence, which led to incidents of planes being struck by bullets. Pilots are now permitted to fly to airports in Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haïtien, Pignon, Jeremie, Antoine-Simon, and Jacmel. However, flights to the capital, Port-au-Prince, remain prohibited.
The FAA issued a modified Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) that allows operations in certain areas of Haiti but restricts flights to below 10,000 feet in specified regions until December 12.
The decision follows incidents where two flights, one operated by JetBlue and another by Spirit Airlines, were shot at while flying over or approaching Haiti. These events occurred amid growing instability in the country, particularly in the capital, where gang violence has displaced thousands.
The violence has escalated since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
Peoplesmind
