The United States has announced an extension of flight restrictions over parts of Haiti until March 2, citing ongoing threats from armed groups operating in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince and central regions of the country. The new directive overrides a previously set expiration, prohibiting covered U.S. operators from flying below 10,000 feet in specified areas that include the capital and sections of the Centre and Artibonite departments.
Details of the Flight Restrictions
This restriction applies to U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and most pilots using certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as operators of U.S.-registered civilian aircraft. While flights at or above 10,000 feet and operations in unaffected areas of Haiti are not subject to these restrictions, exceptions can be made for government-approved operations and emergency situations impacting flight safety.
According to the FAA, there have been reported attacks on at least 11 aircraft in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas since February 2024. Armed groups in these regions are reported to possess small arms and unmanned aircraft capable of targeting planes flying at lower altitudes. In one incident, a Spirit Airlines flight was shot at while approaching Toussaint Louverture International Airport on November 11, 2024, injuring a crew member and leading to several U.S. airlines suspending services to the capital.
The FAA indicated that armed groups have a lesser presence in other parts of Haiti, such as around Cap-Haïtien International Airport in the north and Antoine-Simon International Airport in Les Cayes, with no notable history of attacks on aircraft or airports reported in those areas.
HaitiLibre has reported that the renewed restrictions cover low-altitude operations across significant sections of western and central Haiti but do not affect flights to regions deemed safe. As such, Cap-Haïtien has emerged as the primary gateway for flights between Haiti and the United States, especially since U.S. carriers have not been servicing Port-au-Prince. Haitian airline Sunrise Airways is currently promoting direct flights from Cap-Haïtien to Fort Lauderdale three times a week, along with additional routes to Newark and Boston.
American Airlines has announced plans to resume service to Haiti starting November 1, with a daily flight scheduled between Miami and Cap-Haïtien, though it has not indicated any plans to return to Port-au-Prince. The FAA has stated that it will continue to monitor the security situation to determine whether to modify or lift these restrictions.
Why It Matters
The extension of flight restrictions highlights ongoing security challenges in Haiti, particularly around the capital and central regions. The situation not only affects U.S. aviation operations but also impacts travel and commerce, limiting direct connections for those wishing to travel to and from Port-au-Prince. The continued instability may have broader implications for international relations and humanitarian efforts in the region.
