The FAA bans US airlines from flying to Haiti after plane was hit by gunfire

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a 30-day restriction on US flights to Haiti after gangs opened fire on three commercial airliners. This wave of violence also led to the United Nations temporarily suspending flights to Port-au-Prince, significantly reducing humanitarian aid to the country.

The latest incident occurred Monday when bullets struck a Spirit Airlines plane preparing to land in Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant and causing the airport to immediately close. American Airlines and JetBlue later confirmed the bullet hits on their planes departing from the capital, after which American Airlines subsequently suspended its flights until mid-February.

This violence broke out when Haiti inaugurated its new Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, under tense circumstances. The streets in Port-au-Prince were largely deserted, schools, banks and government offices were closed as gunfire echoed through the streets. Despite political efforts to restore order, armed gangs continue to control about 85% of Port-au-Prince, according to UN estimates.

The impact on humanitarian aid

The United Nations has warned that restricted access to Port-au-Prince could severely limit the distribution of crucial aid supplies. UN flights have been diverted to Cap Haitien, a quieter town in the north, but the impact on aid distribution is already clear. A convoy carrying food and medical supplies south of the capital was postponed and financial aid programs in unstable areas have been cancelled.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the continuation of operations in this challenging environment,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, calling for an end to the violence to ensure safe access for humanitarian aid. He stressed that a continued flow of aid is crucial for a population on the brink of famine.

Local frustrations and the response of the US and the Dominican Republic

Locals, who depend on daily access to the market for their livelihood, are expressing frustration at the ongoing violence. Martha Jean-Pierre, a seller in Port-au-Prince, echoed the sentiments of many Haitians, saying: “What good is a new prime minister if there is no security, if I cannot move freely and sell my goods? “

In response to the unrest, the U.S. State Department urged Haiti’s transitional government to prioritize governance over personal interests. The statement underlined the need for a clear plan to reduce violence and pave the way for elections, calling the current situation an obstacle to progress.

In a show of solidarity, Dominican President Luis Abinader condemned the violence and described the recent plane shootings as acts of terror.

Calls for further international action

The escalating violence has renewed calls for a robust international peacekeeping presence, with critics noting the limitations of the UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police in Haiti. This mission faces financial difficulties and lacks the personnel to make a meaningful impact, prompting discussions about the possible deployment of a UN peacekeeping force.

As Haiti grapples with the reality of daily gang violence, international observers and locals alike are looking to leaders for solutions that can restore peace, ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid and bring much-needed stability to the country.