Civil unrest in Haiti November 2024 has resulted in at least three airplanes of commercial airlines being shot by gunfire and the temporary closure of the international airport in Port-au-Prince. If Haiti is in your travel plans over at least the next 30 days, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to civil unrest in that country.
Civil Unrest in Haiti: November 2024 Travel Alert
The airplane which suffered damage from the shootings was operated by Spirit Airlines; while airplanes operated by American Airlines and JetBlue Airways were also shot by gunfire from gangs. As a result, the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States ordered all carriers which are based in the United States to avoid the air space over Haiti for the next 30 days.
This statement is from the official Internet web site of the United States Embassy in Haiti:
Event: There are multiple incidents of armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports in Port-au-Prince and neighboring divisions of the city. Operations at the Touissant Louverture airport have been suspended. The area around the airport remains unstable and outbreaks of violence near the airport could occur.
Due to the continued violence throughout the city and near the U.S. Embassy, tomorrow (Wednesday, November 13, 2024), the embassy will be limiting operations. All appointments for visas and American Citizen Services are canceled. If you had an appointment for November 13, or 14, you will be contacted when a new appointment is available.
If you are a U.S. citizen in Haiti whose flight has been cancelled, please call your airline’s customer service office for specific information and advice. Please be aware that at this time traveling to the airport in Port-au-Prince is not safe and the commercial airlines may not have agents at the airport to assist you until regular commercial travel starts back up.
The security situation in Haiti in general is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.
Actions to take:
Do not travel to Haiti.
If you are in Haiti:
- 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.
A Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti was issued back on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 by the Bureau of Consular affairs, which is a division of the Department of State of the United States — specifically to not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care.
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to, from, or within Haiti over the next 30 days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to the civil unrest which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating conditions and traffic problems.
Here are three airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this civil unrest:
- American Airlines has issued a travel alert for Port Au Prince for Tuesday, November 12, 2024 through Wednesday, February 12, 2025; and Friday, February 28, 2025 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued a travel alert for Port-au-Prince for Monday, November 11, 2024 through Thursday, December 12, 2024; and Thursday, December 19, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Spirit Airlines has issued travel alerts for Cap Haitien and Port-au-Prince for Monday, November 11, 2024 through Monday, November 18, 2024; and Monday, November 25, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
Final Boarding Call
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
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