The Federal Aviation Administration banned flights to Haiti after at least three recent flights were struck by gunfire over the country.
An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Photo: Shutterstock | Wenjie Zheng)
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice on Tuesday prohibiting all flights by U.S. carriers to Haiti for 30 days.
The Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) stated that flights are not allowed within 10,000 feet of the territory and airspace of Haiti due to “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing security instability.”
The decision to block all U.S. flights to the country comes after gunfire recently struck three separate flights traveling to the country on Monday. JetBlue flight 634 from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to New York-JFK was struck by a bullet, though crew reported no issues during its flight.
Spirit flight 951 was struck by several bullets while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince and diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic, where it landed safely. A spokesperson for Spirit reported that one flight attendant was injured in this incident.
An American Airlines flight was also found to be struck by a bullet during a post-flight inspection following its trip to Port-au-Prince on Monday, according to airline watchdog JonNYC on Twitter/X. The airline only serves the country from its Miami hub, recently resuming flights in May.
All three airlines have suspended service to Haiti following these incidents.
“This morning, APA was notified that a post-flight inspection revealed the presence of a bullet hole in an American Airlines aircraft following a trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti yesterday,” the Allied Pilots Association (APA) – which represents American’s pilots – said in an internal memo.
The union said it is in contact with American regarding the incident and has also reached out to the flight crew to ensure they receive support and assistance.
“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,” the APA memo stated. “Ensuring the safety and security of our crews and passengers will always be our highest priority. We will update you as developments warrant and appreciate your professionalism and vigilance.”
In a statement, a spokesperson from the airline confirmed the incident, adding that no injuries were reported.
“On Monday, Nov. 11, American Airlines flight 819 from Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) to Miami International Airport (MIA) landed safely and uneventfully in Miami. Out of an abundance of caution, a post-flight inspection was completed, indicating the exterior of the aircraft had been impacted by a bullet. We are working closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident,” the spokesperson said.
The carrier’s daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince is suspended through Feb. 12.
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