US extends ban on flights to Haiti’s capital as gang violence surges
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended a ban on U.S. flights to Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, until March due to rising gang violence in the region. This means that commercial operators and U.S. registered civilian aircraft are prohibited from flying below 10,000 feet in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, including parts of central Haiti.
The ban was initially imposed in November 2025 after a Spirit Airlines flight was shot at upon landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, resulting in minor injuries to a flight attendant and damage to other nearby commercial planes. Since that incident, the FAA has extended the ban multiple times, effectively isolating Port-au-Prince from the rest of the country.
The latest extension will remain in place until March 2, 2026. Efforts by the Haitian police and a United Nations-backed gang suppression force are underway to control the gangs that hold sway over approximately 70% of Port-au-Prince and significant land in Haiti's central region.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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