The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended flights between the United States and Haiti after a Spirit Airlines flight and a JetBlue flight were hit by gang-related shootings.
The FAA issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) regarding the outage Tuesday afternoon. The NOTAM obtained by Fox News applies to all carriers and commercial operators in the United States.
Aircraft flying over or into Haiti on behalf of the U.S. government are exempt from the ban. Toussaint Louverture International Airport has suspended operations.
The ban comes the next day. spirit flight 951 He was shot on his way to Haiti. The plane was landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital Port-au-Prince when the incident occurred on Monday.
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The FAA has suspended U.S. flights to Haiti in the wake of the Spirit plane shooting. (Getty Images)
A Spirit representative told Fox News Digital that the flight, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was later diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic.
When the plane landed in Santiago, inspectors found damage consistent with gunshot wounds. Spirit subsequently suspended all flights to Haiti.
On Monday, JetBlue Flight 935 was also struck by gunfire while leaving Port-au-Prince. The plane landed safely at JFK International Airport later that day.
“The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority and we have suspended service in Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haitien (CAP) pending further evaluation,” Spirit said in a statement.
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A man walks in front of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on November 12, 2024. (Getty Images)
Monday also marked the day Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille was fired. The U.S. government has long blocked civilian travel to Haiti, citing violence and political turmoil in the country.
On Monday, the U.S. Embassy said it was “aware of gang-led efforts to disrupt traffic to Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence and disruption of roads, ports, and airports.” said.
“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the statement said. “Travel within Haiti is at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety at the airport, at the border, or during subsequent travel.
A Spirit Airlines passenger plane was struck by gunfire as it attempted to land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday. (Getty Images)
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The U.S. Embassy added: “You should consider your personal safety situation before traveling within Haiti.” “Attempt to leave or travel within Haiti only if you feel it is safe to do so.”
Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner and Constance McDonough contributed to this report.
