Sky Under Siege: FAA Halts US Flights in Haiti Amid Rising Gunfire Incidents

The FAA has halted U.S. airline operations in Haiti for 30 days after three planes were hit by gunfire amid escalating security tensions. The FBI launched an investigation into these incidents. Airlines like American and Spirit diverted flights and are working with authorities for further investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Tuesday a 30-day suspension of U.S. airlines operating in Haiti following three commercial jetliners being struck by gunfire. The move comes amid escalating security instability, prompting an investigation by the FBI in collaboration with local law enforcement.

In its notification, the FAA detailed that no U.S. flights should operate within Haiti's airspace below 10,000 feet due to safety concerns. American Airlines, the third U.S. carrier impacted, reported that flight 819 landed in Miami after a bullet hit its exterior. This marks a worrying trend of attacks facing airlines.

The incidents also involved Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways, with Spirit flight redirected to the Dominican Republic and JetBlue arriving in New York with bullet damage. A flight attendant was injured, the incident underscoring the critical security situation in Haiti's capital, where armed groups have frequently targeted aircraft.

(With inputs from agencies.)