In brief
After a month-long suspension of flights to Haiti, six northern airports have reopened for U.S. carriers following safety evaluations post gunfire incidents, while the capital's Toussaint Louverture International Airport remains closed due to escalating gang violence.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that it would allow U.S. flights to recommence at six airports located in northern Haiti. This decision follows a 30-day flight suspension that was implemented after three commercial jetliners faced gunfire incidents, including a Spirit Airlines flight forced to divert to the Dominican Republic while attempting to land at Haiti's main airport in Port-au-Prince. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital has been off-limits to U.S. airlines since November 12.As a result of the flight ban, many passengers found themselves stranded globally and humanitarian aid efforts were obstructed. Despite the reopening of northern airports—namely, Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haïtien, Pignon, Jeremie, Antoine-Simon, and Jacmel—the FAA has confirmed that flights to Port-au-Prince will remain prohibited until December 12.The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly over the past three years following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Anarchy ensued as gangs began to dominate the landscape, taking control of roads, ports, and neighborhoods, while committing widespread violence and kidnappings. Current assessments indicate that gangs are now in control of 85 percent of the Haitian capital, exacerbating the country's instability and impacting citizens' safety and the delivery of essential services.
