FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines announced it has indefinitely suspended flights to Haiti following a rise in violent incidents. 

What You Need To Know

  • American Airlines announced it has indefinitely suspended flights to Haiti 

  • This follows a Nov. 11 incident in which an American Airlines flight leaving Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport was struck by gunfire

  • The Federal Aviation Administration recently imposed a 30-day ban on flights to Haiti after the incidents with American, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue

The Texas-based airline’s decision follows a Nov. 11 incident in which an American Airlines flight leaving Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport was struck by gunfire. While no passengers or crew were harmed, the discovery of a bullet hole during a routine inspection heightened concerns about the security situation in Haiti’s airspace. 

The Federal Aviation Administration recently imposed a 30-day ban on flights to Haiti following the incidents with American, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue. The FAA initially banned all U.S. airline operations within Haitian airspace up to an altitude of 10,000 feet, but later eased some restrictions. Flights to Port-au-Prince, however, remain prohibited under the updated FAA guidelines. 

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has suspended routine visa services and American Citizen Services because of persistent threats. In its latest advisory, the embassy warned against travel to Haiti, citing risks of kidnapping, armed robberies and civil unrest. 

Haiti has faced increasing violence, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince, where gangs control large areas. Recently, a gang leader who controls a key port in Haiti’s capital is accused of massacring older people and Vodou religious leaders in his community to avenge his son’s death.

Human rights organizations say the true number of dead isn’t clear, but Haiti’s government on Monday acknowledged the massacre and said over 100 people were killed.