US issues temporary ban on flights to Haiti after planes were struck by gunfire

Two American planes were struck by gunfire on Monday, but no passenger injuries have been reported. One employee on Spirit Airlines has reported minor injuries.

By Misty Severi

Published: November 12, 2024 3:35pm

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday announced a 30-day ban on United States flights to Haiti after U.S. planes were bombarded with gunfire on Monday.

A Spirit airline flight out of Florida was struck by gunfire four times on Monday while trying to land at Touissant Louverture Airport in Port-au-Prince. The plane diverted and landed in the neighboring Dominican Republic instead. No passengers were injured by the gunfire, but one flight attendant said they suffered minor injuries.

"U.S. civil aviation operations in the territory and airspace of Haiti below 10,000 feet" will be prohibited, the FAA said, per ABC News.

A second civilian U.S. plane, operated by JetBlue, was also hit by a single bullet on Monday when trying to land in Haiti. The second plane flew out of New York City, and JetBlue said it was suspending all of its flights to Haiti until Dec. 2.

The suspensions come as gangs on the island are attempting to limit travel to and from the capital of Port-au-Prince, according to Fox News.

"The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous," the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said. "Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.