FAA blocks U.S. flights to this country with a ‘do not travel’ advisory after gunfire struck Spirit Airlines plane

The Federal Aviation Administration banned flights to Haiti for 30 days because a Spirit Airlines plane was shot at while it landing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

The plane, Spirit Airlines Flight 951, tried to land in Port-au-Prince’s airport when gunfire struck the plane, injuring one flight attendant.

It diverted to Santiago in the Dominican Republic after the aircraft suffered damage.

Other airlines serving the island nation, such as American and JetBlue, also suspended flights. American Airlines has axed service to Haiti through Feb. 12, 2025, while JetBlue has suspended service indefinitely.

If an airline has cancelled your flight to Haiti, you can contact customer service for more information and advice. Also, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti has canceled all appointments for visas and American Citizen Services. It will contact those with an appointment on Nov. 13 or 14 to make a new appointment when they become available.

The U.S. State Department is aware of the situation in Haiti through the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. The organization has already implemented a Level 4 travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens not to travel there due to “incidents of armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports and airports in Port-au-Prince and neighboring divisions of the city.”

If you are in Haiti, the U.S. State Department says you should:

• avoid crowds.
• monitor local media for updates and avoid areas where violence, demonstrations or disruptions are reported to be happening.
• keep a low profile.
• be aware of your surroundings.
• be prepared to shelter in place for an extended time period.
• avoid being outside after dark.
• stay alert in areas frequented by foreign visitors.
• review your personal security plans.
• have travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
• carry proper identification.