FAA Bars U.S. Airlines from Operating in Haiti for 30 Days

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Tuesday that it will ban U.S. airlines from operating in Haiti for 30 days. This decision follows incidents where three commercial jetliners were struck by gunfire on Monday.

The FBI is also investigating these incidents and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.

The FAA has issued a Notice to Air Mission prohibiting U.S. airlines from operating flights in Haiti's territory and airspace below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) for 30 days, citing "safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing security instability."

American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) reported that it was the third U.S. airline to have a plane struck by a bullet in Haiti. American Flight 819 landed in Miami on Monday after traveling from Port-au-Prince, with a post-flight inspection revealing bullet damage to the aircraft's exterior.

American Airlines stated, "We are working closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident."

On Monday, a Spirit Airlines (NYSE:SAVE) flight headed for Port-au-Prince was also struck by gunfire, leading to its diversion to the Dominican Republic. A JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU) flight returning from Port-au-Prince was found with bullet damage upon its arrival in New York.

Spirit Airlines confirmed that their plane was damaged and had to be retired upon landing in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Although a flight attendant sustained injuries, no passengers were harmed.

Consequently, American Airlines announced the suspension of its service to Haiti, effective through February 12.

The security situation in Haiti has been deteriorating, with armed gangs reportedly shooting at aircraft recently. Last month, a U.N. helicopter was also hit by gunfire over Port-au-Prince.

On Monday, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime took office with a commitment to enhancing security. Fils-Aime was appointed by Haiti's transitional council over the weekend, succeeding Garry Conille, who served for only six months.