Multiple airlines have suspended flights to Haiti following an incident where a passenger plane from the U.S. was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince.
Spirit Airlines Flight 951, traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted to the Dominican Republic and landed safely at Santiago Airport. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries, but no passengers were harmed. This marks the second attack on aircraft in three weeks over Haiti’s capital.
The incident coincides with the inauguration of a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who emphasized his commitment to “restoring security” in the violence-ridden country plagued by armed gangs. He pledged to dedicate his efforts to the national cause despite the country’s “difficult circumstances.”
The Spirit Airlines flight was scheduled to arrive at Toussaint Louverture International Airport shortly before noon when it was struck. Unverified social media footage reportedly showed bullet holes inside the aircraft, where the crew is seated during takeoff and landing. After inspection, Spirit confirmed damage consistent with gunfire and removed the aircraft from service.
The airline has halted all flights to Haiti “pending further evaluation.” Other U.S. carriers, including American Airlines and JetBlue, have also suspended operations to Haiti until at least Thursday due to safety concerns.
The security situation in Haiti has deteriorated in recent months, highlighted by an incident in October when gang members fired at a UN helicopter, prompting airlines to temporarily cancel flights. A UN-backed policing mission led by Kenyan officers began in June to help restore order from gang control.
Spirit Airlines, a low-cost carrier based in Florida, operates flights throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America.
Credit: BBC News
