US Airlines Face 30-Day Flight Ban to Haiti Following Gang Violence and UN Flight Suspension

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned US airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days. This decision follows incidents where gangs fired at planes, including one from Spirit Airlines, injuring a flight attendant. The United Nations has also paused flights to Port-au-Prince, affecting humanitarian aid delivery. Photos reveal bullet holes in the plane's interior, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Impact on Humanitarian Efforts

The violence erupted as Haiti swore in a new prime minister after a turbulent political process. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported 20 armed clashes and roadblocks disrupting aid operations. The Port-au-Prince airport will stay closed until November 18, with flights redirected to Cap Haïtien. This closure hampers aid flow into the capital, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The UN warns that restricted access to Port-au-Prince could worsen conditions as gangs tighten their grip on the city. Already, a convoy of 20 trucks carrying food and medical supplies has been delayed. An operation to provide cash assistance to 1,000 people in Carrefour was also cancelled due to the violence. "We are doing all we can to ensure the continuation of operations amidst this challenging environment," Dujarric stated.

Life in Port-au-Prince

On Tuesday, much of Haiti's capital was paralysed by violence. Armed police patrolled outside the airport, inspecting trucks used for public transport. Schools, banks, and government offices remained closed. Streets were deserted except for a motorcycle carrying an injured man. Gunfire echoed through the city despite efforts by local elites and international bodies to restore peace.

Neither former interim Prime Minister Garry Conille nor newly appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé commented on the unrest. However, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader labelled the plane attacks as terrorism. "This was a terrorist act; the countries that are following and helping Haiti should declare these armed gangs as terrorist groups," he said.

Political Turmoil and Public Sentiment

The UN estimates gangs control 85% of Port-au-Prince. A Kenyan-led UN mission struggles with funding and personnel shortages, prompting calls for a peacekeeping mission. The violence followed a transitional council's decision to dismiss Conille, who clashed with them during his tenure. Businessman Fils-Aimé was swiftly sworn in as interim prime minister.

Conille initially deemed his dismissal illegal but later acknowledged Fils-Aimé's appointment on social media: "I wish him success in fulfilling this mission. At this crucial moment, unity and solidarity are essential for our country. Long live Haiti!" Fils-Aimé pledged to collaborate with international partners for peace and elections.

Many Haitians remain sceptical about political changes amid ongoing insecurity. Martha Jean-Pierre, a 43-year-old vendor in Port-au-Prince, expressed frustration: "What good is a new prime minister if there's no security, if I can't move freely and sell my goods?" She relies on selling vegetables to support her family.

The US State Department criticised Conille and the council for failing to progress constructively. They urged Fils-Aimé and the council to outline a plan to reduce violence and facilitate elections: "The acute and immediate needs of the Haitian people mandate that the transitional government prioritise governance over the competing personal interests of political actors."