Overview:
The Federal Aviation Administration has prolonged restrictions on sure U.S. flight operations in Haiti’s airspace by means of Sept. 3, 2026, citing persistent safety dangers linked to gang violence. First imposed in November 2024 after gunfire hit an plane close to Port-au-Prince worldwide airport, the ban has been renewed each six months following safety critiques. It applies to U.S. carriers working beneath 10,000 ft in designated areas, together with a 15-nautical-mile radius round elements of the capital and border areas. Restricted exceptions exist for foreign-operated, authorities, humanitarian and emergency flights.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prolonged its ban on sure American flight operations in Haiti’s airspace by means of Sept. 3, 2026, citing ongoing safety dangers tied to gang violence.
In a discover issued March 2, the FAA prohibited U.S. Airways, U.S. registered aircrfats and pilots licensed by the company from flying beneath 10,000 ft over giant sections of Haiti’s territory and airspace. Officers mentioned the measure was taken due to “safety-of-flight dangers related to ongoing instability.”
The ban applies to airspace stretching throughout southern and northern Haiti, together with a roughly 15-nautical-mile radius round elements of the capital and close to the Dominican Republic border.
“This NOTAM [Notice to Air Missions] applies to all U.S. air carriers and industrial operators,” the FAA mentioned. “It additionally covers all people exercising the privileges of an airman certificates issued by the FAA.”
“This NOTAM applies to all U.S. air carriers and industrial operators. It additionally covers all people exercising the privileges of an airman certificates issued by the FAA.”
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
The extension of the restriction was first imposed in November 2024 after gunfire struck a number of plane close to Port-au-Prince. Since then, the FAA has renewed the measure each six months following critiques of safety circumstances on the bottom.
Restricted exceptions, industrial flights halted since 2024
The FAA mentioned exceptions apply to U.S.-registered plane operated by international carriers and to international airways utilizing U.S.-registered planes. Authorities, humanitarian and emergency missions might request particular authorization by means of the FAA’s Washington Operations Heart. Emergency deviations are additionally permitted if essential for flight security.
Flights working outdoors the designated danger areas will not be topic to the ban.
Since November 2024, most U.S. industrial flights have been suspended at Toussaint Louverture Worldwide Airport in Port-au-Prince. The airport is situated in an space closely affected by armed teams, with gangs controlling giant parts of the capital.
Airways have demanded improved safety ensures earlier than resuming common service. The suspension has disrupted journey for Haiti’s diaspora and complex humanitarian and enterprise journey.
The extension comes as Haiti continues to grapple with escalating gang violence. Armed teams management an estimated 80% to 90% of Port-au-Prince, in line with worldwide assessments, and assaults have focused roads, neighborhoods and key infrastructure.
Current aviation incidents have heightened considerations. In February, a small plane operated by Agape Flights crashed close to Jérémie, killing two pilots. One other plane made an emergency touchdown later that month, and constitution planes have reported being struck by projectiles whereas approaching Port-au-Prince.
Regardless of the FAA restrictions, some carriers—primarily Haiti’s Dawn Airways and Fort Lauderdale-based IBC Air— proceed restricted operations from Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes to U.S. locations. Nevertheless, main U.S. airways haven’t resumed common industrial service to the capital.
The FAA mentioned the restriction will stay in place whereas they proceed monitoring safety circumstances in Haiti.