FAA Partially Lifts Haiti Flight Restrictions for Northern Region
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a partial lifting of flight restrictions to Haiti. This move permits U.S. airlines to resume operations to six airports in the country’s northern region. The decision follows incidents of commercial aircraft, operated by American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, being subjected to gunfire on November 11 while flying over Port-au-Prince due to escalating gang violence.
U.S. carriers are now authorized to operate flights to the following airports:
- Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP)
- Port-de-Paix Airport (PAX)
- Pignon Airport (PGN)
- Jérémie Airport (JEE)
- Antoine-Simon Airport (CYA)
- Jacmel Airport (JAK)
However, the FAA continues to uphold its ban on flights to Haiti’s capital region. The restrictions around Port-au-Prince are expected to remain in effect until at least December 12, 2024.
The partial lifting of restrictions signifies a cautious equilibrium between maintaining aviation safety and providing essential air connectivity to Haiti’s northern regions. These areas have faced less severe security challenges compared to the capital region. The decision is a result of the FAA’s ongoing assessment of security conditions, as it strives to ensure the safety of commercial aviation operations in the region.
[source]https://www.eckertseamans.com/legal-updates/aviation-regulatory-update-november-2024[/source]