The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a substantial ban on U.S. air carriers and licensed pilots, effectively prohibiting any landings in Haiti, as outlined in a newly released Notice to Air Missions.
This pivotal announcement, posted on Tuesday, followed a dramatic incident on Monday when a plane flying from Fort Lauderdale was fired upon while approaching the turbulent Port-Au-Prince, prompting an emergency diversion to the Dominican Republic to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew.
In a concerning escalation of events, two additional flights departing from Port-Au-Prince bound for the United States also came under gunfire, raising alarms about the precarious security situation within the country.
While the FAA may choose to extend this critical restriction beyond the initial 30 days, all flights are currently mandated to maintain an altitude of no less than 10,000 feet when flying over Haitian airspace due to the significant risks stemming from ongoing instability and security threats.
Moreover, the United States State Department has been warning its citizens against travel to Haiti since September, emphasizing the precarious nature of conditions there. A recent advisory from the embassy highlighted the alarming situation with armed gangs obstructing travel routes in and out of Port-au-Prince, coupled with persistent threats of armed violence and disruptions affecting roads, ports, and airports.
“These are things we only see in movies, we never thought this was something that could happen in real life,” reflected Valerie Victor, a shaken passenger who was on the ill-fated flight targeted on Monday. “Today we understood that we were going home, to our country, and they shot at us, we could have died. Anything could have happened, but we thank God that didn’t happen, and we are here today.”
One passenger aboard the flight shared harrowing images with WPTV, revealing a bullet hole in the engine and three bullet holes in the tail of Spirit Flight 951. He recounted witnessing flames erupt from one of the engines before the pilot executed a rapid ascent, aborting the landing and redirecting the aircraft toward the Dominican Republic.
Joe Karabensh, the president of Mission Flights International, expressed his deep concern about the FAA’s recent decision, indicating that his nonprofit organization is actively seeking an exception to continue landing in northern or southern Haiti. He highlighted that the current restrictions would significantly hamper his efforts to transport essential food and medical supplies to more than 600 organizations
**Interview with Aviation Security Expert, Dr. Lisa Carter**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The FAA recently announced a ban on U.S. air carriers and licensed pilots from landing in Haiti following a series of alarming incidents. Can you give us some context surrounding this decision?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. The FAA’s decision is a direct response to escalating violence in Haiti, particularly after a plane was fired upon while attempting to land in Port-Au-Prince. This incident not only endangered the lives of passengers and crew but also highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the country. The FAA’s priority is to protect American citizens and ensure safe travel, which is why this ban was swiftly implemented.
**Interviewer:** It sounds quite serious. Are there specific details about the incidents that prompted the FAA to take such drastic measures?
**Dr. Carter:** Yes, aside from the initial attack on the plane from Fort Lauderdale, there have been reports of two additional flights that came under fire while departing from Port-Au-Prince. These incidents create a clear pattern of escalating violence against civil aviation, prompting the FAA to act quickly to mitigate potential risks.
**Interviewer:** The FAA has imposed a 30-day restriction. Do you anticipate that this ban could be extended? What factors might influence that decision?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s definitely possible that the FAA will extend this restriction beyond 30 days. Their primary concern is safety, and if the security situation in Haiti does not improve, we could see a longer-term ban. Situational assessments will likely include consultations with intelligence agencies, as well as reports from airlines and pilots operating in the region.
**Interviewer:** For travelers who had plans to fly to Haiti, what recommendations do you have during this period?
**Dr. Carter:** I would advise anyone with planned travel to Haiti to reconsider their trip and stay informed through official channels, like the FAA’s updates. It’s crucial to monitor the situation as it unfolds and to heed any advice from travel advisories—safety should always be the top priority.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. We will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti closely.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we all stay aware and prepared as this situation develops.