One month has been removed from a series of incidents where aircraft from US airlines were struck by bullets. Since then, the unrest in Haiti doesn’t seem to have died down, with the country still deemed unsafe for travel.
While the US government could have lifted restrictions this week, it will suspend flights to and from Haiti much longer to protect US Airlines.
More on US Airlines Banned from Haiti Travel
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proclaimed late last week that it will extend restrictions for US travel in Haiti until 12 March, 2025. This means airlines from the US can’t arrive or depart from anywhere in the country or fly over it from a low altitude. The Notice to Air Missions currently prohibits flights over Haiti at 10,000 feet or less.
Government originally placed the ban on 11 November when alleged gang members fired bullets at aircraft from American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue. A Spirit Airlines attendant was reportedly injured as a result of the gunfire.
If you are a traveler who is looking to fly to or near Haiti in the near future with one of the affected airlines, you may need to get in touch with your airline’s customer support.
If you’re traveling directly to Haiti, your airline should have automatically canceled your flight and refunded you. As for indirect flights involving Haiti, you may need to be rebooked or rerouted which might involve paying more money.
Official Statement by the US Department of State
Travelers can read the US Department of State’s Haiti Travel Advisory, which was published on 18 September. The advisory has a ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ grade, cited for crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and health risks.
“Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed,” the notice reads.
The Department goes on to specify that Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture, the airport in Port-Au-Prince is a ‘focal point for armed activity’. Robberies and carjackings are also common and spontaneous, often occurring during traffic stops.
The notice even advises against traveling to Haiti through the bordering country Dominican Republic.
