### FAA Bans U.S. Flights Into Haiti Following Gunfire Incidents

In response to recent gunfire incidents, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 30-day ban on all U.S. airlines and commercial operators from flying into Haiti. The decision emerged after Monday’s events where Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways aircrafts were hit with gunfire over Port-au-Prince airspace. Spirit Airlines' plane was about a mile away from Toussaint Louverture International Airport when it came under fire, while the JetBlue flight had just taken off, bound for New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Although no passengers were injured, a Spirit flight attendant sustained minor injuries.

JetBlue responded to the incident by canceling its flights until December 2, and American Airlines announced cancellations until Thursday. Spirit Airlines, canceling flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien, has stated that flights would remain suspended pending an investigation.

The FAA issued a Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. civil aviation operations in Haitian territory and airspace below 10,000 feet. The initial prohibition was until Monday, but this has now been extended to 30 days. The ban applies to all U.S.-registered civil aircraft operators, except when the aircraft is operated by a foreign air carrier. Exceptions are also made for emergencies and flights authorized by the U.S. government or an agency with FAA approval.

Despite the ban, Haitian-owned Sunrise Airways reported that its flights remain unaffected. The airline, which offers services to several Caribbean destinations, continues to operate flights between Miami International Airport and both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien.

This is the second instance this year in which escalating gang violence in Haiti has disrupted air travel. In late February, coordinated gang attacks aimed at ousting Prime Minister Ariel Henry resulted in the closure of the country's airports for nearly three months.

Haitian leadership has remained silent on the shootings, which occurred amid ongoing firefights between police and gangs. The violence followed threats from a gang coalition after the ruling presidential council replaced Prime Minister Garry Conille with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime.