The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that it is extending flight restrictions on U.S. aircraft operating in Hatian airspace until March 12.
The Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibits flight operations below 10,000 feet in certain areas of the skies over Haiti. The FAA initially announced restrictions on Nov. 11 after JetBlue, American Airlines and Spirit Airlines planes were struck by gunfire at or near the Port-au-Prince airport. These restrictions were changed on November 20 and were initially set to expire on Thursday, December 12.
All three airlines, the only U.S. airlines flying to Haiti, have currently suspended flights. No injuries were reported on the affected U.S. or JetBlue flights, but one Spirit Airlines crew member was injured in that incident.
The U.S. State Department has had a level four “Do Not Travel” advisory in effect for Haiti since September 18, citing ongoing civil unrest and gang violence.
“Port-au-Prince airport can be a focal point for armed activity. Armed robberies are common. Carjackers attack private vehicles stuck in traffic. They often target single drivers, especially women. As a result, the U.S. embassy requires its staff to use official transportation to and from the airport,” the advisory says.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwicher@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flight restrictions in Haiti have been extended by the FAA until March
