US Extends Flight Ban to Haiti Amid Escalating Gang Violence

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended its ban on flights to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, until at least September 8 due to escalating gang violence, which has resulted in attacks on commercial aircraft. Major airlines including American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit have indefinitely suspended flights, with JetBlue announcing it would not resume operations until June 11, 2025. The UN has described the situation as dire, with gangs controlling up to 85% of the capital, leading to widespread violence and displacement of over one million people. Despite attempts to counter the gangs, including a Kenya-led multinational police force, experts warn that the risk of total gang control remains high. Travelers must navigate dangerous conditions on the ground as air travel options are severely limited, with many forced to use a smaller airport in Cap-Haïtien. The U.S. government continues to issue strong travel warnings against visiting Haiti due to the high risk of violent crime and inadequate medical care.