Haiti
Risk Level: One - Do Not Fly
[ about risk levels ]
On Nov 11, two aircraft were hit by gunfire on approach to MTPP/Port-au-Prince. The first, a Spirit A320 enroute from KFLL, was hit on short final to Runway 28 at around 1100 local. Damage was significant, with multiple rounds entering the fuselage, avionics bay, engine, and cabin. The second aircraft, a Jet Blue A320, discovered a bullet hole on return to KJFK.
Operations at MTPP have been suspended for now, but with this level of risk to aircraft, Haiti will be off-limits for some time to come. The FAA has since banned US operators from flights in the airspace of Haiti below 10,000ft MSL, and several other countries have issued similar warnings. SafeAirspace.net now puts Haiti at Level 1 - Do Not Fly.
MTPP/Port-au-Prince was previously closed from March-May 2024 due to sustained gang violence across Haiti. Aviation came under direct threat during the worst of the violence, with several reports of several armed attacks at the airport. A new government has since been formed, but gangs still control much of the capital, and the US still advises against all travel to the country. For flights, crew security cannot be guaranteed.
Read: Haiti Crisis: Airport Attacked, Aircraft Shot, March 2024 (OPSGROUP article)
Operations at MTPP have been suspended for now, but with this level of risk to aircraft, Haiti will be off-limits for some time to come. The FAA has since banned US operators from flights in the airspace of Haiti below 10,000ft MSL, and several other countries have issued similar warnings. SafeAirspace.net now puts Haiti at Level 1 - Do Not Fly.
MTPP/Port-au-Prince was previously closed from March-May 2024 due to sustained gang violence across Haiti. Aviation came under direct threat during the worst of the violence, with several reports of several armed attacks at the airport. A new government has since been formed, but gangs still control much of the capital, and the US still advises against all travel to the country. For flights, crew security cannot be guaranteed.
Read: Haiti Crisis: Airport Attacked, Aircraft Shot, March 2024 (OPSGROUP article)
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Notam CZQX H5908/24 | 13 Dec 2024 | 13 Feb 2025 | |
| France | Notam LFFF F1811/24 | 12 Dec 2024 | 13 Mar 2025 | |
| USA | Notam KICZ A0020/24 | 11 Dec 2024 | 13 Mar 2025 | |
| UK | Notam EGTT V0045/24 | 15 Nov 2024 | 14 Feb 2025 | |
| USA | Notam KICZ A0010/24 | 11 Sep 2024 | 11 Mar 2025 |
Source: Canada
Reference: Notam CZQX H5908/24
Issued: 13-Dec-24, valid until: 13 Feb 2025
Plain English: Canadian operators are now banned from operating below FL100 in Haitian airspace and the MTEG/Port-au-Prince FIR due to risks to aviation from gang activity.
AIRSPACE SECURITY WARNING ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT IN RESPONSE TO THE SECURITY SITUATION IN HAITI. CANADIAN AIROPR AND OWNERS OF ACFT REGISTERED IN CANADA ARE PROHIBITED FMOPR BLW FL100 WITHIN HAITIAN AIRSPACE AND FIR PORT-AU-PRINCE(MTEG) DUE TO POTENTIAL RISK TO AVIATION FROM GANG ACT.EXCEPTIONAL WAIVERS MAY BE GRANTED UPON MOTIVATED REQUEST TO THE COMPETENT AUTH. AFFECTED AIR OPR WISHING TO OBTAIN SUCH AN AUTH MUST APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AT 1-877-992-6853 OR1-613-992-6853 OR BY EMAIL AT OPERATIONS.AVIATION(A)TC.GC.CA. 13 DEC 19:02 2024 UNTIL 13 FEB 16:00 2025 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 13 DEC 19:02 2024
Source: France
Reference: Notam LFFF F1811/24
Issued: 12-Dec-24, valid until: 13 Mar 2025
Plain English: French operators should remain at or above FL100 in Haiti airspace, and not go to MTPP/Port Au Prince airport
DUE TO SECURITY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN HAITI, FRENCH AIR CARRIERS AND CAPTAINS OF AIRCRAFT IN CHARGE OF AIR SERVICES OPERATED BY CARRIERS HOLDING AN OPERATING LICENSE ISSUED BY FRANCE, WHETHER THEY ARE CONTRACTUAL CARRIERS AND/OR OPERATING CARRIERS, OR PERFORMING AIR SERVICES THROUGH A WET LEASE OR A CODESHARE AGREEMENT AS WELL AS FOR ANY FLIGHT MADE WITH AN AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN FRANCE ARE REQUESTED TO MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES A FLIGHT LEVEL ABOVE OR EQUAL TO FL100 IN THE AIRSPACE OF HAITI (FIR MTEG (PORT AU PRINCE)) AND NOT TO SERVE PORT AU PRINCE AERODROME (MTPP). 12 DEC 10:44 2024 UNTIL 12 MAR 23:59 2025. CREATED: 12 DEC 10:45 2024
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0020/24
Issued: 11-Dec-24, valid until: 13 Mar 2025
Plain English: US operators are prohibited from certain parts of the airspace in Haiti - below 10,000ft MSL in an area around MTPP/Port-au-Prince airport plus a small 10NM area to the north. See map here.
SECURITY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN FLIGHTS IN THE TERRITORY AND AIRSPACE OF HAITI.
THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) BELOW ARE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING AT ALTITUDES FROM THE SURFACE UP TO BUTNOT INCLUDING 10,000 FEET MSL IN THE TERRITORY AND AIRSPACE OF HAITI SOUTH OF N1910.00 AND NORTH OF N1820.00 BETWEEN THE HAITI/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER AND W07320.00 AND WITHIN 10NM OF N192811.16W0723510.85 DUE TO SAFETY-OF-FLIGHT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ONGOING INSTABILITY.
A. APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHEN THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.
B. PERMITTED OPERATIONS. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) ABOVE FROM CONDUCTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE-NAMED AREAS WHEN SUCH OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED EITHER BY ANOTHER AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FAA OR BY A DEVIATION, EXEMPTION, OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE FAA ADMINISTRATOR. OPERATORS MUST CALL THE FAA WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT 202-267-3333 TO INITIATE COORDINATION FOR FAA AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT OPERATIONS. OPERATIONS IN THE TERRITORY AND AIRSPACE OF HAITI OUTSIDE OF THE ABOVE-NAMED AREAS DO NOT REQUIRE FAA AUTHORIZATION.
C. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF AN AIRCRAFT MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT EMERGENCY. THIS NOTAM IS AN EMERGENCY ORDER ISSUED UNDER 49 USC 40113(A), 44701(A)(5), AND 46105(C).
D. IF AVAILABLE, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTPS://WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/.
SFC - 9999FT, 11 DEC 21:15 2024 UNTIL 12 MAR 23:59 2025 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 11 DEC 21:04 2024
THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) BELOW ARE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING AT ALTITUDES FROM THE SURFACE UP TO BUTNOT INCLUDING 10,000 FEET MSL IN THE TERRITORY AND AIRSPACE OF HAITI SOUTH OF N1910.00 AND NORTH OF N1820.00 BETWEEN THE HAITI/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER AND W07320.00 AND WITHIN 10NM OF N192811.16W0723510.85 DUE TO SAFETY-OF-FLIGHT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ONGOING INSTABILITY.
A. APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHEN THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.
B. PERMITTED OPERATIONS. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) ABOVE FROM CONDUCTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE-NAMED AREAS WHEN SUCH OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED EITHER BY ANOTHER AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FAA OR BY A DEVIATION, EXEMPTION, OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE FAA ADMINISTRATOR. OPERATORS MUST CALL THE FAA WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT 202-267-3333 TO INITIATE COORDINATION FOR FAA AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT OPERATIONS. OPERATIONS IN THE TERRITORY AND AIRSPACE OF HAITI OUTSIDE OF THE ABOVE-NAMED AREAS DO NOT REQUIRE FAA AUTHORIZATION.
C. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF AN AIRCRAFT MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT EMERGENCY. THIS NOTAM IS AN EMERGENCY ORDER ISSUED UNDER 49 USC 40113(A), 44701(A)(5), AND 46105(C).
D. IF AVAILABLE, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTPS://WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/.
SFC - 9999FT, 11 DEC 21:15 2024 UNTIL 12 MAR 23:59 2025 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 11 DEC 21:04 2024
Source: UK
Reference: Notam EGTT V0045/24
Issued: 15-Nov-24, valid until: 14 Feb 2025
Plain English: UK operators should not enter the airspace of Haiti below 10,000ft AGL due to the risk of small arms fire.
SECURITY - HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN HAITI. UK REGISTERED AIR OPERATORS ARE RECOMMENDED NOT TO ENTER FIR PORT-AU-PRINCE (MTEG) BELOW 10,000 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL DUE TO POTENTIAL RISK TO AVIATION FROM SMALL ARMS FIRE. CONTACT UK DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT 02070 826639 OR 02079 443111 OUT OF HOURS. AR-2024-7873/AU4. SFC - UNL, 15 NOV 12:15 2024 UNTIL 13 FEB 23:59 2025. CREATED: 15 NOV 12:28 2024
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0010/24
Issued: 11-Sep-24, valid until: 11 Mar 2025
Plain English: Caution due to unpublished airport and airspace restrictions. Operators should talk to ATC directly for the current status of airports, given ongoing civil unrest and security risks.
SECURITY..SPECIAL SECURITY NOTICE..POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION HAITI UNPUBLISHED AIRPORT AND AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS MAY EXIST. U.S. OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION AND COMMUNICATE WITH AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AUTHORITIES ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MTPP/PAP) PORT AU PRINCE AND OTHER AIRPORTS IN HAITI DUE TO CIVIL UNREST AND LOCALIZED SECURITY RISKS. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT FAA CITE WATCH AT 202-267-3203 OR EMAIL FAA-WATCH@FAA.GOV. SFC - UNL, 11 SEP 12:38 2024 UNTIL 10 MAR 23:59 2025. CREATED: 11 SEP 12:44 2024