FAA prolongs low-altitude flight ban over Port-au-Prince amid escalating gang violence
The U.S. FAA has extended its restriction on flights below 10,000 feet over Haiti's capital until March 2 as gang violence persists.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced that its prohibition on U.S.-registered civilian aircraft and commercial carriers operating below 10,000 feet over Port-au-Prince and nearby central regions will remain in effect until March 2. The restriction, first imposed in November 2025 after gunmen opened fire on a Spirit Airlines flight landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport—causing minor injuries to a flight attendant and damaging other aircraft—has been renewed several times.
The measure prevents low-altitude flights over the Haitian capital, where gangs are estimated to dominate roughly 70% of the city and extensive swaths of the interior. Haitian police, together with a United Nations-supported gang-suppression unit, are engaged in efforts to curb the violence. The continued ban adds to the isolation of Port-au-Prince, limiting air connectivity and complicating humanitarian and commercial operations.
Why it matters
The ban limits air access to Haiti's capital, affecting travel, aid and economic activity amid worsening security.
How this story developed
- Aug 21 First U.S. deportation flight lands in Cap-Haïtien after TPS termination
- Aug 22 The Supreme Court upheld the revocation of Haitian temporary protected status, enabling ICE arrests and repatriations.
- Aug 24 A powerful gang coalition raided a farming community in the hills above Haiti’s capital, setting homes ablaze and killing multiple people.
- Aug 25 The prime minister’s office placed security units on high alert and sent additional forces to Kenscoff.
- Aug 26 Death toll rose to at least 47 and more than 50 people were kidnapped.
- Aug 27 Police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers addressed public inquiries, declined to disclose rescue plans, and warned that the gang threatens to kill hostages if police act.
- Aug 28 ICE carried out its first repatriation flight to Haiti and detained roughly 300 Haitians in Ohio after the TPS termination.
- Aug 29 Mayor Rob Rue said municipal authorities do not direct ICE activities.
- Aug 31 13 hostages, including six children and seven women, were released.
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