U.S. Flight Ban to Haiti Strands Americans, Prompts Concerns About Aid

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended all U.S. flights to Haiti for the next 30 days following three recent incidents of gunfire striking American airplanes.

Rising Tensions in Port-au-Prince

On Monday, a Spirit Airlines flight departing from Port-au-Prince to Fort Lauderdale was hit by bullets seven times. Though the plane managed to land safely, shattered fiberglass injured one flight attendant. Kevin Adair, a passenger on the Spirit Airlines flight, recalled hearing a loud noise akin to “a steel bowl of nails” dropping, causing gradual shock among those on board as the reality of the situation set in. Two other flights—the first with JetBlue, which landed in New York City, and the second with American Airlines, landing in Miami—were also struck by gunfire on Monday but were able to land safely, with no reported injuries.

U.S. Citizens Stranded and Aid Disrupted

The FAA’s ban on U.S. flights has left many American citizens stranded in Haiti, including those who urgently want to leave due to the escalating violence. Jacques Balynce, a North Miami Beach resident, expressed his frustration over his mother-in-law’s situation, as she is currently stuck in Port-au-Prince. Balynce, who runs Free Haiti, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Haitian citizens, shared that his mother-in-law’s attempts to reach the Dominican Republic have been futile due to blocked access to airports and the lack of clear guidance from the U.S. Embassy. This air travel restriction has also affected crucial aid efforts, creating additional challenges in a country where escalating gang violence has disrupted daily life and essential services. Port closures and restricted travel routes mean that getting resources into Haiti is becoming increasingly difficult.

Relief Efforts Continue Amidst Crisis

In response to these challenges, non-profits like Mission of Hope are finding alternative methods to deliver essential aid. Brad Johnson, president of Mission of Hope, announced plans to launch a relief ship from the Florida Keys to Haiti this weekend. Despite restricted access to seaports, the organization is coordinating with the Haitian government to deliver supplies, including 250,000 meals, medical equipment, and water sanitation essentials. Mission of Hope’s on-ground team of 300 staff in Haiti will work to distribute these supplies to communities, including orphanages caring for children with special needs who require life-saving medications.

Johnson underscored the gravity of the crisis, emphasizing how gang control over major trade routes has resulted in severe shortages, and some areas, reports of people facing starvation. “This is just another step in Haiti being closed off from the outside world,” Johnson noted, highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis as violence surges after the recent swearing-in of a new prime minister.

As Haiti grapples with worsening instability, the ban on flights underscores a troubling chapter in the nation’s struggle with internal conflict, significantly impacting the safety and livelihood of both Haitians and international visitors. The continuation of these aid efforts offers a lifeline, but the situation in Haiti remains a dire call for intervention and stability.