The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prohibited US civilian flights to and from Haiti for 30 days after aircraft attempting to land in Port-au-Prince were hit by gunfire.
On November 12, 2024, the FAA released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stating that US air carriers and commercial operators “are prohibited from operating at altitudes from surface up to 10,000 feet in the territory and airspace of Haiti due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing security instability.”
The NOTAM applies to all US air carriers and commercial operators, except for those operating US-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier. Additionally, the NOTAM will not stop flights in Haiti if the FAA has given permission for those operations.
“In an emergency requiring immediate decision and action for the safety of the flight, the pilot in command of an aircraft may deviate from this NOTAM to the extent required by that emergency,” the NOTAM reads.
The notice was issued after several gunfire incidents involving US carriers were reported in the region.
A Spirit Airlines aircraft attempting to land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was hit by gunfire on November 11, 2024. Spirit Airlines Flight 951, operated by an Airbus A320-271N, was caught up in a gang-related shooting while the aircraft was attempting to land at Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Haiti.
The A320 was struck by gunfire four times while trying to land in Port-au-Prince. There were no injuries among passengers. However, a flight attendant suffered minor injuries.
On November 12, 2024, the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a statement, saying that operations at PAP airport have been suspended. The area around the airport remains unstable and outbreaks of violence near the airport could occur, the statement continued.
“Due to the continued violence throughout the city and near the US Embassy, on November 13, 2024, the embassy will be limiting operations,” officials at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said.