FAA Extends Flight Ban to Port-au-Prince Over Security Risks

The FAA has extended the flight ban to Port-au-Prince until September 8 due to safety concerns from armed gangs. Initially imposed last November, the ban followed gunfire striking U.S. aircraft. Despite earlier allowances for flights to northern Haiti, the ongoing threats necessitate maintaining the restrictions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Tuesday the extension of prohibitions against flights to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, until September 8. This decision stems from ongoing security threats posed by armed gangs, which have been a concern for civil aviation.

In November, U.S. flights to Haiti were temporarily suspended following incidents where three U.S. commercial aircraft were hit by gunfire. Flights later resumed to six northern Haitian airports. However, the FAA's latest analysis indicates continued instability, with gangs actively controlling large areas of the capital.

The FAA emphasized that these gangs are armed with high-caliber rifles and machine guns, presenting risks especially to aircraft at lower altitudes and during takeoffs and landings. Although passage over Port-au-Prince above 10,000 feet remains allowed, the threat remains significant at lower altitudes.

(With inputs from agencies.)