Sunrise Airways, a Haitian airline, has announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Port-au-Prince due to serious security concerns in the region. The decision was made public on November 23, highlighting the need to prioritize the safety of passengers and crew in light of escalating violence attributed to gang activity in the city.
In its statement, Sunrise Airways emphasized the need for the suspension, stating, “This decision was made in order to protect our passengers, crews, and operations, given the current security situation.” The airline plans to resume operations as soon as conditions permit, while continuously monitoring the situation in collaboration with local authorities.
Although the airline did not provide specific details regarding the suspension, reports suggest a recent alarming incident where one of its planes was hit by gunfire during its approach to Port-au-Prince. This incident reflects the dangerous environment that has increasingly plagued the area since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, which left a power vacuum that gangs have since exploited.
In November 2024, Toussaint Louverture International Airport faced temporary closure after a Spirit Airlines flight was also targeted by gunfire, resulting in one flight attendant being injured. The unsettling trend of gang-related violence led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement strict measures, including a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) that prohibits US commercial flights from flying below 10,000 feet over Haiti. The FAA characterized the situation as an ongoing threat, signaling that the violence is concentrated in Port-au-Prince as rival gangs vie for dominance.
Despite these challenges, the international community is closely watching the developments in Haiti, with hopes that a resolution can be reached to restore peace and stability. Flight operations may resume when conditions improve, bringing back tourism and connecting Haiti more effectively with the outside world.