The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extended its ban on United States aircraft operating in and around Haiti until September, citing a continued inability to prevent attacks against aircraft in the capital of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area.
The ban, which was extended
until Sept. 3, prevents American airlines from operating within 10,000 feet of Haiti, according to the FAA
. It follows ongoing flight safety concerns, including a Spirit Airlines flight that was hit by gunfire in November 2024, injuring a crew member, NBC News
reported
at the time.
The extension applies to all commercial or civil operators with an FAA Certificate, except U.S.-registered aircraft for foreign carriers.
"Since September 2025, Haitian foreign terrorist organizations’ (FTOs) have used small-arms fire to attack at least three aircraft within the area in which U.S. civil aviation operations are prohibited. Additionally, gangs have increasingly conducted violent attacks... north of the capital, necessitating adjustments to the area in which U.S. civil aviation operations are prohibited," according to the FAA. "This expanded and shifted gang operating area raises the risk from small arms fire to civil aviation operations at lower altitudes in these locations."
Cruises are also avoiding Haiti. Both Celebrity Cruises
and Royal Caribbean
canceled port stops to Labadee, a private destination owned by Royal Caribbean.
The U.S. Department of State continues to classify Haiti
under its highest Level 4 travel advisory
, warning Americans "do not travel" there. The classification, reissued as recently as April 16, is due to "the risk of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and limited health care."
“Violent crime is rampant in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince. The expansion of gang, organized crime, and terrorist activity has led to widespread violence," the State Department wrote in its advisory. "Crimes involving firearms are common. Crimes include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault and kidnappings for ransom."
The department added: "Kidnappers often demand ransoms... typically in the high tens of thousands to high hundreds of thousands... of dollars."
For travelers who do go to Haiti, the State Department recommended they establish a "proof of life protocol" so if they are kidnapped, "your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the kidnappers to confirm that you are being held captive and are alive."
Regardless of where they are going, the State Department recommends all international travelers sign up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
, a free service that provides alerts for destinations around the world and allows officials to more easily contact Americans in an emergency.
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