CNN reports the FAA has prohibited all civil aviation activities below 10,000 feet for at least the next month, while Haitian officials have closed the airport in Port-au-Prince through November 18, 2024.

 

Airspace Closed After Gun Violence Affects Aircraft

The move by the FAA comes after several aircraft from American carriers were struck by gunfire while operating over Haiti. On Monday, November 11, 2024, Spirit Airlines Flight 951 was hit by gunfire during the final approach to the airport in Port-au-Prince. The flight ultimately diverted to the Dominican Republic, where investigators say they discovered damage consistent with a shooting. Images shared on social media (depicted above) showed damage in the cabin that appear to be bullet holes. Although no passengers were injured, one flight attendant was taken to a local hospital for what was described as “minor injuries.”

 

It wasn’t just a Spirit flight that was affected. A spokesperson for JetBlue also confirmed that one of their aircraft had a bullet hole upon inspection after returning from Haiti. CNN further found out that an American Airlines aircraft was also struck by gunfire after operating over Port-au-Prince.

 

While the airport has been closed, both the FAA and the United Nations have taken action to ground flights entering the nation. U.S. aircraft won’t be able to land in the country until December 2024, while UN humanitarian aid flights will be suspended indefinitely.

 

Local authorities in Haiti blame the violence on local gangs and have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. As of press time, no arrests have been made.

 

Feature image courtesy: @EuricSanti via X

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