US extends ban on flights to Haiti’s capital as gang violence surges
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has extended a ban on U.S. flights to Haiti’s capital until March as gang violence persists. The ban means that commercial operators and U.S. registered civilian aircraft can’t fly below 10,000 feet (around 3,000 meters) in Port-au-Prince and nearby areas, including parts of central Haiti. The FAA first…
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.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- US extends ban on flights to Haiti’s capital as gang violence surges winnipegfreepress.com
