What You Need to Know
• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has extended its ban on flights to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, until March 2.
• This ban prohibits U.S. registered civilian aircraft from flying below 10,000 feet in the area.
• The FAA first imposed the flight ban in November 2025 after gunmen targeted a Spirit Airlines flight.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an extension of its flight ban to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, until March 2, 2024, due to ongoing gang violence. This ban prevents commercial operators and U.S. registered civilian aircraft from flying below 10,000 feet in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions. The FAA initially enacted this restriction in November 2025 after an incident where gunmen fired at a Spirit Airlines flight landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, resulting in minor injuries to a flight attendant. The repeated extensions of this ban have further isolated Port-au-Prince from the rest of Haiti, as police and a United Nations-backed gang suppression force attempt to control gangs that dominate approximately 70% of the capital and significant areas of central Haiti.
Why It Matters
The ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince has led to severe disruptions in air travel, impacting both humanitarian efforts and commercial activities. The FAA’s flight ban reflects the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, where gangs have increasingly asserted control over urban areas. The situation has prompted international concern and intervention, with the United Nations supporting local police efforts to restore order. The FAA’s actions highlight the challenges faced by the Haitian government in maintaining safety and stability amid rising criminal activity.
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