Haiti’s Main Airport Closes Temporarily Amid Turmoil

Haiti’s main airport temporarily shut down early this week as gangs attempted to seize control, sparking panic and chaos in the capital.

At a Glance

Haiti’s main airport temporarily closed on Monday due to gang violence and takeover attempts.
Gangs opened fire on a Spirit Airlines flight, injuring a flight attendant.
The U.S. Embassy issued a travel warning amid a surge in violence.
Violence coincided with the expected appointment of a new interim prime minister.
UN estimates gangs control 85% of Port-Au-Prince.

Airport Closure and Gang Violence

Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince temporarily shut down as gangs attempted to seize control, causing widespread panic and disruption. The closure came amid a surge of violence that has gripped the Haitian capital, leaving citizens and travelers in a state of fear and uncertainty.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti reported the airport closure and issued a stern travel warning, citing “gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” This escalation in gang activity has severely impacted daily life and travel in the country.

Haiti’s main airport shuts down as gang violence surges and a new prime minister is sworn in https://t.co/A4W9cplRAi

— The Associated Press (@AP) November 12, 2024

Attacks on Civilian Aircraft

In a shocking incident that underscores the deteriorating security situation, gangs opened fire on a Spirit Airlines flight attempting to land at the airport. The attack injured a flight attendant and forced the plane to divert to the neighboring Dominican Republic. This brazen assault on a civilian aircraft has raised serious concerns about the safety of air travel to and from Haiti.

The attack on the Spirit Airlines flight prompted other carriers, including JetBlue and American Airlines, to temporarily suspend their services to Haiti. This disruption in air travel not only isolates the country further but also hampers potential humanitarian efforts and economic activities.

Political Instability and Gang Control

The surge in violence coincides with political turmoil in Haiti. The appointment of a new interim prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, comes after the dismissal of his predecessor, Garry Conille, by a transitional council. This council, established to restore democratic order, has been plagued by infighting and corruption accusations against three of its members.

“There is a lot to be done to bring back hope,” Fils-Aimé said.

The political instability has created a power vacuum that gangs have eagerly exploited. According to United Nations estimates, these criminal organizations control a staggering 85% of Port-Au-Prince. This level of gang dominance has rendered large parts of the capital ungovernable, with residents living in constant fear.

International Response and Challenges

The international community has struggled to effectively address Haiti’s spiraling crisis. A UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police faces funding and personnel issues, leading to calls for a more robust UN peacekeeping mission. However, the complexities of Haiti’s situation make any intervention challenging.

The United Nations has urged Haitian political leaders to prioritize the country’s interests and work together constructively. However, with the transitional council’s legitimacy questioned and gang violence escalating, the path to stability remains unclear. As Haiti grapples with this multifaceted crisis, the international community watches with concern, recognizing the potential regional implications of a failed state in the Caribbean.