American Airlines
American Airlines has suspended flights to Haiti due to escalating gang violence, a decision announced as the airline evaluates the safety of resuming service from Miami to Port-au-Prince. Other airlines, including Spirit and JetBlue, have also halted operations after gunfire incidents involving their planes.
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince said, “The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk.”
The violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels
The violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels, with the United Nations reporting over 4,500 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries this year. Since November 11, UNICEF has documented hundreds killed or injured and 42,000 displaced.
Difficult decision
An American Airlines spokesperson said, “American has made the difficult decision to suspend daily service between Miami (MIA) and Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP).”
Gang violence has spread
Gang violence has spread beyond Port-au-Prince, with the alliance of gangs known as Viv Ansanm committing unprecedented acts of murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence. A brutal attack on October 3 in Port Sondé resulted in 115 deaths, including women and infants.
To assist Haitian police
Despite the deployment of United Nations-approved Kenyan-led forces to assist Haitian police, the security situation remains fragile. María Isabel Salvador, the U.N. special representative for Haiti, reported over 700,000 internally displaced Haitians, a 22% increase since June.
Prime Minister Garry Conille
Haiti’s political landscape has remained unstable, with Prime Minister Garry Conille recently ousted and businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé taking over. María Isabel Salvador, special representative of the secretary-general and head of the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti, stated, “The security situation remains extremely fragile, with renewed peaks of acute violence.” Salvador added, “It is far from enough.”
Gain public trust amid rising divisions
The U.N. has called for increased support for Haiti’s security forces and better funding for the Support Mission to combat ongoing violence. Political corruption has continued to hinder progress, as the new government struggles to gain public trust amid rising divisions.