Haiti Reaches Out for Aid as Spirit Airlines Suspends Flights to Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince Airport Temporarily Closed Due to Unrest
Haiti is appealing for international assistance after a violent uprising led to the temporary closure of Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Spirit Airlines, the only U.S. carrier serving Haiti, has suspended flights to the capital indefinitely.
Toussaint Louverture Airport Shut Down
The airport was shut down on Sunday after protesters stormed the facility and set fire to a terminal building. The unrest followed the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse earlier this month and has plunged the country into chaos.
Spirit Airlines Suspends Flights
Spirit Airlines announced on Monday that it was suspending all flights to Port-au-Prince "until further notice." The airline said it was monitoring the situation and would resume service when it was safe to do so.
International Aid Requested
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has appealed to the international community for assistance in restoring order and providing humanitarian aid. The country is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced and in need of food, water, and shelter.
U.S. Embassy Issues Travel Warning
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has issued a travel warning, advising U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti due to the ongoing security concerns.
United Nations Condemns Violence
The United Nations has condemned the violence in Haiti and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all parties to engage in dialogue and work together to restore stability to the country.
Haitian Government Pledges to Investigate
The Haitian government has pledged to investigate the assassination of President Moïse and bring those responsible to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
U.S. Sends Security Assistance
The United States has sent security assistance to Haiti to help stabilize the country. The assistance includes personnel, equipment, and training for Haitian security forces.
Additional Resources
- BBC News: Haiti: Port-au-Prince airport closed as protests escalate
- CNN: Spirit Airlines suspends flights to Haiti amid escalating violence
- U.S. Department of State: Travel Advisory for Haiti