Overview:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted its ban on U.S. airline flights to Cap-Haïtien. However, due to escalating gang violence in the capital, restrictions on flights to Port-au-Prince will remain until December 12, Reuters reported Thursday.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has eased its flight ban to Haiti, allowing airlines to resume operations to Cap-Haïtien in the northern region. This development offers a glimmer of hope for holiday travelers, though the ban on flights to Port-au-Prince remains in effect until at least Dec. 12, reported Reuters on Thursday.
The original ban was imposed on Nov. 12, following gang-related gunfire hitting three commercial planes operated by Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines near Toussaint Louverture International Airport. With violence escalating in Port-au-Prince, the FAA’s restrictions aim to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Since November 11, gang violence in Port-au-Prince has intensified, leaving at least 150 dead, 92 injured, and more than 20,000 displaced. Schools remain closed, businesses and banks operate sporadically, and public transportation is partially paralyzed.
“The union is asking the Directorate General of the Haitian National Police (DGPNH) and the central government to provide police officers with adequate equipment to address current issues and allow the Haitian population to regain security.”
Haitian National Police Union, SYNAPOHA
The appointment of new Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has brought little relief as the transition government struggles to address the escalating insecurity while supposedly preparing for general elections in the country.
One high-profile incident saw about 30 suspected gang members killed by police and civilians as they traveled in a heavily armed truck toward Pétion-Ville, a wealthy suburb about five miles southeast of downtown Port-au-Prince. This clash underscored the severity of the crisis but also raised concerns about the safety of residents and law enforcement alike.
The Haitian National Police (PNH) Union (SYNAPOHA) called on government authorities to provide police officers with better equipment to address the crisis effectively.
“The union is asking the Directorate General of the Haitian National Police (DGPNH) and the central government to provide police officers with adequate equipment to address current issues and allow the Haitian people to regain security,” SYNAPOHA wrote in a statement on Nov. 20.
Pending improvement, the U.S. has banned American flights to Haiti for one month and issued a security alert advising citizens not to travel in the country
The union officials also urged greater collaboration between the public and the police.
“The union encourages the population not to hesitate to contact the police in case of any suspicions in their surroundings,” the statement read.
Sunrise Airways adapts and pivots to Cap-Haïtien
The closure of Port-au-Prince Airport has forced domestic and international airlines to adapt. Sunrise Airways, a private Haiti-based airline, has shifted its operations to Cap-Haïtien International Airport.
Starting Nov. 24, Sunrise Airways will launch flights from Cap-Haïtien to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe (Mondays); Sint Maarten (Tuesdays and Fridays); and Panama City (Wednesdays and Sundays).
Since Nov. 14, the airline has offered two daily flights from Cap-Haïtien to Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The company said travelers abroad can connect to Haiti by transiting through one of these countries served by Sunrise. These adjustments are temporary, pending improved security conditions in Port-au-Prince that would allow operations to resume at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
This is not the first time gang activity has disrupted air operations in Haiti. Sunrise Airways officials recall similar incidents earlier this year that forced the suspension of flights and highlighted the vulnerability of the nation’s air traffic infrastructure.
Upon resuming its operations, Sunrise Airways has raised its ticket prices over 300% for a Cap-Haïtien Miami bound flight.
“The situation in February 2024 caused significant setbacks for air traffic and Haiti’s image,” the company officials told The Haitian Times. “Air transportation is crucial for islands like Haiti, playing a vital role in trade and connectivity.”
The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety while expressing hope for a resolution to the security crisis.
“We prioritize the safety of our passengers, staff, and aircraft above all else,” said Sunrise Airways. “We eagerly await improved security conditions to resume international flights, especially to the United States.”
A long road ahead
While the FAA’s decision to allow flights to Cap-Haïtien is a positive step, the ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince continues to pose significant challenges. Haitian authorities face mounting pressure to restore stability and reopen the capital’s airport, which is critical for the country’s economic and social connections with the world.
For now, Haiti’s air travel remains severely limited, highlighting the urgent need for effective action against the gangs that have paralyzed much of the nation.
