Amid ongoing chaos, six airports in northern Haiti have reopened for U.S. flights while the capital's airport remains closed.
Resumption of U.S. Flights to Six Airports in Northern Haiti
Resumption of U.S. Flights to Six Airports in Northern Haiti
The FAA lifts flight ban on northern Haitian airports following safety assessments.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday the reopening of six airports in northern Haiti to U.S. flights, ending a month-long ban. This decision follows escalating security concerns after gunfire incidents involving commercial airliners, including a Spirit Airlines flight that was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic on November 12. Although the six airports—Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haïtien, Pignon, Jeremie, Antoine-Simon, and Jacmel—have resumed operations, the main airport in Port-au-Prince is still prohibited for U.S. carriers until at least December 12.
The flight suspension had significant implications, stranding travelers globally and halting humanitarian aid flights into Haiti. This ban came in the wake of a deteriorating security situation in the country, which has experienced turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse three years ago. Gangs have taken control over key infrastructure, affecting daily life in the capital, where the United Nations estimates that criminal groups now operate in 85% of the area. As international flights slowly return, the situation remains precarious as authorities work towards restoring normalcy amidst the ongoing challenges.
The flight suspension had significant implications, stranding travelers globally and halting humanitarian aid flights into Haiti. This ban came in the wake of a deteriorating security situation in the country, which has experienced turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse three years ago. Gangs have taken control over key infrastructure, affecting daily life in the capital, where the United Nations estimates that criminal groups now operate in 85% of the area. As international flights slowly return, the situation remains precarious as authorities work towards restoring normalcy amidst the ongoing challenges.
