Airlines Halt Flights to Haiti Following Gunfire Incident

Several airlines have suspended flights to Haiti after a passenger plane was struck by gunfire during its attempted landing in Port-au-Prince. The Spirit Airlines Flight 951, originating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was rerouted to Santiago Airport in the Dominican Republic, where it landed safely.

The incident resulted in minor injuries to a flight attendant, while all passengers remained unharmed. This marks the second attack on aircraft approaching Haiti’s capital within three weeks. The country’s ongoing struggles with armed gangs and rising violence have intensified concerns over safety.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé emphasized that his foremost goal is “restoring security” in the country, as reported by AFP. Despite Haiti’s “difficult circumstances,” Fils-Aimé pledged to devote his full abilities and “patriotism at the service of the national cause.” A former Senate candidate and Boston University alumnus, he was appointed by the ruling council after the dismissal of former leader Garry Conille.

The Spirit Airlines flight was scheduled to arrive at Toussaint Louverture International Airport shortly before 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT) when the incident occurred. Social media footage, yet to be verified, purportedly displays bullet holes within the aircraft’s cabin. Upon inspection at Santiago Airport, Spirit Airlines confirmed damage “consistent with gunfire” and removed the aircraft from operation. The airline has temporarily suspended flights to Haiti for further assessment.

Other U.S. carriers, including American Airlines and JetBlue, have also suspended their flights to Haiti until at least Thursday amidst the ongoing volatility. The security situation in Haiti has progressively worsened, illustrated by gangs firing upon a United Nations helicopter in October, which led to temporary flight cancellations by some airlines. In response, a UN-backed policing initiative, spearheaded by Kenyan officers, began in June in an effort to reclaim control from gangs.

Spirit Airlines, a low-cost carrier based in Florida, operates flights across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America.