FAA extends flight ban to Port-au-Prince amid escalating violence

Haiti has been facing escalating gang violence, compelling authorities to extend the flight ban on U.S. planes to Port-au-Prince until September 8. This decision follows severe threats to civil aviation, including incidents where armed gangs fired upon commercial aircraft, causing damage and injuries. The ban has been in effect since November when the initial restrictions were imposed after shots were fired at multiple U.S. commercial jetliners. Currently, gang violence has reached alarming levels, with gangs reportedly controlling up to 85 percent of the capital, making the situation increasingly dire for both citizens and aviation safety. U.N. officials have expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation inside Haiti. William O'Neill, the U.N. human rights commissioner's expert on Haiti, recently highlighted that gang violence has intensified, leading to widespread suffering in the nation. His assessment pointed to the extreme danger posed by these gangs, who are known to attack not only civilian aircraft but also heavily target various sectors of the community, thereby terrorizing the population. Additionally, the U.S. general aviation and commercial flights have been allowed to resume to six airports in northern Haiti under strict guidelines due to the ongoing threat in the capital. As of now, armed gangs are said to have increased their control over not just Port-au-Prince but also other regions in Haiti. Reports indicate that gang-related violence includes murder, sexual assaults, arson, and other crimes, severely impacting the lives of ordinary citizens. The Haitian population is facing extraordinary hardships, with over a million people displaced and living in makeshift camps. The U.N. and international agencies have urged the Haitian authorities to tackle the rampant corruption and lack of police presence, as the national police force consists of only about 9,000 personnel for a population of approximately 11 million. The international community continues to explore ways to support Haiti’s stabilization, including enforcement measures through a Kenya-led multinational police force, which seeks to reinforce law and order within the capital. The situation remains critical and demands immediate action to safeguard the rights and safety of the Haitian people, as well as the safety of civil aviation activities in and around the country.