Sunrise Airways Halts All Domestic Flights Amid Rising Violence
In a shocking turn of events, Sunrise Airways, Haiti’s main regional carrier, has announced the suspension of all domestic flights after one of its planes was hit by gunfire while landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. The decision comes amid escalating gang violence and political unrest in the Caribbean nation, which continues to impact both aviation safety and tourism.
According to reports, the incident occurred on November 23, 2025, when a Sunrise Airways aircraft arriving from Les Cayes, a coastal city in the country’s southwest, was struck by bullets as it approached the runway. The airline confirmed that while no passengers or crew members were injured, the plane’s fuselage sustained damage, prompting an immediate investigation and the grounding of all domestic services until further notice.
Gunfire Incident Raises Major Aviation Safety Concerns
The latest event highlights the severe security risks currently faced by aviation operators in Haiti. The country has been grappling with widespread gang violence since the forced resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April 2024. In response to the deteriorating situation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ban on American airlines flying to Haiti in November 2024, which has since been extended through March 2026.
That ban followed a series of incidents in which commercial aircraft belonging to Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines were grazed by stray bullets while attempting to land at Port-au-Prince International Airport. The FAA now restricts all U.S. flights from entering Haitian airspace below 10,000 feet, citing ongoing armed conflict near key transport zones.
For local carriers such as Sunrise Airways, which has continued to serve Haitian cities and nearby island destinations, these safety risks have made operations increasingly untenable.
Sunrise Airways: A Lifeline for Haiti’s Connectivity
Founded in 2010, Sunrise Airways has long been a crucial transportation link for Haiti, connecting Port-au-Prince with cities such as Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes, as well as international destinations including Cuba, Grenada, Guadeloupe, and the British Virgin Islands.
The airline has also been instrumental in supporting Haiti’s diaspora, many of whom depend on Sunrise to travel between the Caribbean and the U.S. With American carriers unable to enter the country, Sunrise became the main commercial connector for Haitians abroad, running flights to and from Miami International Airport and preparing to launch new routes to New York and Fort Lauderdale.
However, the suspension of domestic flights could leave thousands of passengers stranded and cut off key economic and humanitarian supply routes within the country.
A Nation Cut Off: Travel and Trade Disrupted
The ongoing violence has paralyzed Haiti’s travel infrastructure far beyond aviation. Many major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, have already canceled port stops in Haitian destinations such as Labadee due to security threats. With Sunrise Airways now grounding its internal operations, Haiti is becoming increasingly isolated — both physically and economically.
Experts warn that the impact will be far-reaching. Domestic air travel is a vital mode of transportation for citizens, aid workers, and international organizations operating in remote regions. The loss of regular flights will likely hinder the delivery of supplies, healthcare access, and even tourism recovery efforts.
“Without safe skies and stable governance, restoring connectivity will be a monumental challenge,” said one regional aviation analyst. “This suspension is a reflection of a country in crisis, where even essential infrastructure cannot operate safely.”
Government Response and Future Prospects
While Sunrise Airways has not released specific details about the investigation, the company confirmed that the suspension is temporary and aimed at ensuring passenger safety while authorities assess the situation. Haitian officials have yet to provide an update on who was responsible for the shooting or whether security will be increased at airports nationwide.
Meanwhile, U.S. and international regulators continue to monitor the situation closely. The State Department maintains a strict “do not travel” advisory for Haiti, warning citizens about ongoing kidnappings, violent crime, and the collapse of public order.
If the situation worsens, experts say that the suspension could extend indefinitely — severely damaging Haiti’s economic recovery and deepening its isolation from the rest of the Caribbean.
Conclusion: A Grim Reflection of Haiti’s Crisis
The Sunrise Airways suspension marks another dark chapter in Haiti’s ongoing turmoil. As the nation battles violence, political instability, and crumbling infrastructure, even its last remaining commercial airline has been forced to halt operations for safety reasons.
The incident underscores how security challenges and instability are eroding essential services, from aviation to tourism, and leaving Haiti further disconnected from the world. For now, the skies above Port-au-Prince remain open — but empty.
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