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U.S. Federal Aviation Agency authorizes resumption of flights to six departments in Haiti

Emmanuel Paul
Emmanuel Paul - Journalist/ Storyteller

Flights from the United States to six airports in Haiti have resumed after a temporary suspension due to escalating violence in the country.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced this partial reopening.

The decision follows a temporary ban on flights to Haitian airports for safety reasons, after incidents in which aircraft were reportedly hit by gunfire.

The FAA authorized American flights to serve airports in six departments: Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haïtien, Pignon, Jérémie, Antoine-Simon aux Cayes, and Jacmel. However, flights to the capital, Port-au-Prince, remain suspended due to the security situation.

Despite this progress, strict restrictions remain. An amended air mission advisory (NOTAM) prohibits U.S. civilian aircraft and pilots from operating below 10,000 feet in designated areas until at least December 12. According to an article published by The Hill, this measure replaces an earlier ban that blocked all flight operations below 10,000 feet in all Haitian airspace for 30 days.

These adjustments are designed to reconcile safety concerns with the need to maintain essential air services.

Reopening against a backdrop of heightened violence

The reopening of the airports comes against a backdrop of heightened violence in Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs have stepped up their attacks, forcing over 20,000 people to flee their homes. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the country has experienced profound instability.

In early November, the situation deteriorated further when gunfire hit a JetBlue flight from Port-au-Prince, which fortunately landed safely in New York. Another Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale was forced to divert to Santiago in the Dominican Republic after being targeted. No passengers were injured, although one crew member suffered a minor injury during the emergency landing.

These incidents prompted US authorities to temporarily restrict flights to and from Haiti, underlining the growing security challenges.

The resumption of flights at the six authorized airports is essential for Haiti, a country heavily dependent on international air travel. These airports, particularly Cap-Haïtien, serve as entry points for trade, humanitarian aid and personal travel. With Port-au-Prince currently inaccessible, they represent an indispensable alternative.

Cap-Haïtien, in particular, plays a central role in northern Haiti, linking regional centers with international destinations. The resumption of flights should facilitate the movement of travellers and humanitarian organizations, while alleviating logistical problems.

However, violence and instability continue to pose major challenges. Pilots must adhere to strict protocols, and airlines remain cautious in the face of continuing risks.

A humanitarian crisis that continues to give cause for concern

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti shows no sign of abating. The United Nations recently reported that over 20,000 people had been displaced in Port-au-Prince in just three days, desperate to escape the violence.

Limited access to the capital and essential infrastructure further complicates the delivery of humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, economic instability and gang violence continue to compound the suffering of local populations.

While the reopening of airports represents a step forward, the root causes of instability in Haiti require lasting solutions and a coordinated international response.

This article is based on information published by The Hill. To find out more, read the original article: The Hill.