FAA Bans US Flights To Haiti After Planes Hit By Gunfire

The US Federal Aviation Administration has banned US carriers from serving Haiti for 30 days after three aircraft were hit by gunfire earlier this week in Port-Au-Prince.

US Carriers Banned From Haiti For 30 Days By FAA After Gunfire Attack

On Monday, a Spirit Airlines A320 jet came under fire while attempting to land at Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port Au Prince. The attack occurred with the plane only 550 feet off the ground and prompted a diversion to the Dominican Republic. One flight attendant was grazed by a bullet during the attack (and thankfully not seriously harmed).

Haiti’s own civil aviation authority, the Haitian National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC), confirmed the attack and noted the plane was struck with four bullets.

It was later discovered that planes from both JetBlue Airways and American Airlines were hit by gunfire while on the ground in PAP. As a result, all three carriers voluntarily suspended service through the end of the month.

But that is no longer voluntary after a Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) was issued on Tuesday by the FAA prohibiting low-altitude flying over Haitian airspace:

“U.S. civil aviation operations in the territory and airspace of Haiti below 10,000 feet.”

American Airlines has gone even further, suspending service through mid-February 2025:

“Our daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince has now been suspended through Feb. 12. We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed.”

While AA819 landed safely in Miami, a single bullet hole was discovered during an inspection.

Even after the federal ban is lifted, reluctant pilots may scuttle plans to resume service. The American Pilots Association (APA), the pilot’s group representing AA pilots, said:

“APA will remain in close contact with the company about the situation in Haiti, and we will be involved in any decisions by American Airlines and the FAA regarding the resumption of service.”

> Read More: Spirit Airlines A320 Sprayed With Bullets While Landing In Haiti, Forced To Divert
> Read More: JetBlue Plane Also Struck By Bullet In Haiti

image: Didier Moïse / Wikimedia Commons