U.S. airlines are barred from flying to Haiti for 30 days, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Tuesday.
Two commercial planes were shot by gangs Monday in Haiti, the AP reported. A Spirit Airlines plane was struck with bullets just before it landed in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
JetBlue announced Tuesday that its plane was also shot leaving the airport, the outlet stated. American Airlines confirmed Tuesday that its plane was hit with gunfire.
New: @AmericanAir confirms it is third U.S. airline to have plane struck by gunfire in Haiti pic.twitter.com/QFWCgdZ3cs
— David Shepardson (@davidshepardson) November 12, 2024
“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,” American Airlines told the Daily Caller in a statement. “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. Our daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince has now been suspended through Feb. 12. We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed.”
The airline said there were no reported injuries. The Caller reached out to Spirit and JetBlue but has not yet heard back.
The FAA announced the ban was because of “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing security instability.”
Haiti swore in a new prime minister Monday, Reuters reported. The country has been rocked with violence and political instability.
The United Nations will also suspend flights to Port-au-Prince temporarily, the AP reported. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the agency recorded 20 armed fights during Monday’s violence, according to the outlet.
Spirit Airlines flight NK951 attempting to land in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince has been struck by gunfire, forcing it to be diverted to the Dominican Republic.
At least one person, a flight attendant, was grazed by a bullet, a source said.
All flights in and out of the… pic.twitter.com/NBBOzvRRmI
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) November 11, 2024
Dujarric said barring flights to the capital would jeopardize humanitarian aid efforts in the country.
The airport will be closed until Nov. 18 and Dujarric noted the U.N. will redirect flights to Haiti’s airport in Cap Haïtien.
🚨#BREAKING: A Spirit Airlines flight has been forced to abort a landing at Port-au-Prince airport after being struck by gunfire
📌#Haiti | #Caribbean
Earlier this afternoon, Spirit Airlines flight N966NK was struck by several rounds of gunfire while attempting to land in… pic.twitter.com/5oiDPe3KYP
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 11, 2024
The UN believes that about 85% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs, according to the AP. Haiti has not held elections since 2016.
Gunfire from gang violence hit two U.S. Embassy vehicles and a U.N. helicopter in October, according to the Miami Herald.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
