Haitians revive claims of plot to block Port-au-Prince airport operations after Belgian plane incident 

PORT-AU-PRINCE— A Belgian military aircraft struck by gunfire while approaching Toussaint Louverture International Airport over the weekend has reignited speculation in Haiti about efforts to delay the return of U.S. commercial flights, as insecurity continues to disrupt operations at the country’s main air hub.

The incident — confirmed by Belgian authorities — highlights the fragile security environment surrounding the airport and underscores why most U.S. and Canadian airlines have suspended service since late 2024.

For Haitians, the stakes extend beyond travel. The airport is a critical link for the economy, humanitarian aid and the Haitian diaspora. Continued disruptions deepen the country’s isolation and limit options to small airports via Cap-Haïtien in the north or Les Cayes in the south, at a time of political instability and widespread violence.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said the airplane came under fire April 25 while operating under a United Nations mission.

“As part of a UN operation in Haiti, one of our A400M aircraft came under fire,” Francken said on X . “Fortunately, the aircraft was able to land safely, and the crew is also safe and well.”

The military plane, which was transporting about 80 soldiers from Chad—part of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which began deploying early this month—from Santo Domingo to Port-au-Prince, reportedly sustained damage to its tail and engine cover before landing safely. No injuries were reported.

No Haitian authorities have publicly detailed the incident or identified those responsible.

Speculation grows as transparency remains limited, airport not fully closed

In the absence of official information, the shooting has fueled speculation on social media, with some Haitians questioning whether repeated incidents near the airport are being used to justify continued restrictions on commercial flights.

Several users accused authorities and private interests of failing to address insecurity or benefiting from the disruption of regular air traffic.

Others called for the immediate reopening of the airport to international flights, arguing that Haitians and members of the diaspora are being unfairly restricted while foreign military operations continue.

“Haiti is not a transit zone for missions that come and go without ever bringing peace,” Facebook user Rigaud A. Duvalier wrote, calling for the liberation of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

Marventz Rousseau, an X  user, reacting to the Belgian Defense Minister’s statement, called for an end to what he described as treating Haitians “like fools.” He argued that the Haitian people would not be misled by distractions.

Rousseau echoed another user, Neil Vaudresaint, who questioned whether any official source or confirmation had been provided. Vaudresaint dismissed the claims as false, adding that “they don’t want to open the airport; this is a diversion.”

Despite widespread perception, the airport is not fully closed. Domestic flights and some regional connections continue, including routes to Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes, Jacmel and Jérémie, as well as limited international service. Haitian officials recently said that the country’s capital airport currently receives at least 30 flights a day.

However, major U.S. and Canadian carriers have suspended operations following security incidents in late 2024, when aircraft from airlines including JetBlue and Spirit were hit by gunfire.

In response, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed restrictions on flights to Port-au-Prince in November 2024. The agency extended those restrictions in March through Sept. 3, 2026, citing ongoing violence.

Economist Etzer Emile said the issue is less about closure than about security guarantees.

“The challenge is to create conditions that allow international airlines to operate safely,” Emile said, noting that the Haitian government must rebuild confidence with U.S. authorities.

The latest incident comes days after gunfire struck within the airport perimeter, forcing Sunrise Airways to briefly suspend operations. A window at the airport was hit, but no injuries were reported.

No findings from that incident have been made public.

Violence continues to escalate in areas surrounding the airport, particularly in the Cul-de-Sac plain near Clercine. Rival gangs are battling for control, with groups from Canaan led by Jeff “Gwo Lwa” Larose and Croix-des-Missions reportedly confronting the “Pyè 6” gang. Local media have reported at least 20 deaths from these recent confrontations.

The fighting has displaced communities, disrupted schools and businesses, and further strained an already fragile economy. 

Efforts to strengthen security remain a priority, officials say

Haiti’s broader crisis — marked by gang expansion, weak state authority and delayed political transition — continues to complicate efforts to restore normal operations at the airport.

The government has pointed to the planned deployment of the GSF as a potential turning point.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said security improvements at the airport could help restore commercial flights.

“If agents are deployed at the airport to ensure security, there is no reason for U.S. commercial airlines not to return,” he told Le Nouvelliste on April 21.

For now, however, repeated security incidents and limited transparency continue to fuel uncertainty — and speculation — about when Haiti’s main airport will fully reopen to international carriers.

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