The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Tuesday that it is banning U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days.
Two airliners shot by gangs in Haiti on Monday, Associated Press reported. A Spirit Airlines jet was hit by a bullet just before landing in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.
JetBlue said Tuesday that its jet was also shot as it was departing from the airport, the newspaper reported. American Airlines confirmed Tuesday that its plane was hit by gunfire.
new: @AmericanAir Third U.S. airline to have its plane hit by gunfire in Haiti pic.twitter.com/QFWCgdZ3cs
— David Shepardson (@davidshepardson) November 12, 2024
“American Airlines Flight 819 from Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) to Miami International Airport (MIA) landed safely and without incident in Miami on Monday, November 11,” American Airlines said in a statement to The Daily Caller. mentioned in. “Out of an abundance of caution, a post-flight inspection was completed and it was determined that a bullet had struck the exterior of the aircraft. We are working closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident. Masu. Daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince is currently suspended until February 12th. With safety and security as our top priority, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our operations as necessary. ”
The airline said no injuries were reported. The caller has reached out to Spirit and JetBlue, but has not yet heard back.
FAA announced The ban was due to “flight safety risks associated with ongoing security instability.”
Haiti swears in new prime minister on Monday, Reuters reported. The country is rocked by violence and political instability.
The United Nations will also temporarily suspend flights to Port-au-Prince, according to the Associated Press. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the U.N. recorded 20 armed clashes during Monday’s violence, the newspaper reported.
Spirit Airlines flight NK951 was struck by gunfire as it was landing in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, and was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic.
Officials said at least one flight attendant was grazed by a bullet.
All flights arriving and departing… pic.twitter.com/NBBOzvRRmI
— Aviation News & Video Breaking (@aviationbrk) November 11, 2024
Dujarric said banning flights to the capital would put humanitarian operations in the country at risk.
The airport will be closed until Nov. 18, and Dujarric said the United Nations will redirect flights to Haiti’s Cap-Haitien airport.
🚨#breaking news: Spirit Airlines jet hit by gunfire, forced to abort landing at Port-au-Prince airport
📌#Haiti | #Caribbean
Early this afternoon, Spirit Airlines Flight N966NK was struck by several shots as it attempted to land. pic.twitter.com/5oiDPe3KYP
— RAWSALETS (@rawsalerts) November 11, 2024
According to the Associated Press, the United Nations believes that about 85% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs. Haiti has not held an election since 2016.
In October, gunfire from gang violence struck two U.S. embassy vehicles and a United Nations helicopter. According to In the Miami Herald.
