International
US Airlines Suspend Haiti Flights After Passenger Plane Hit By Gunfire
Several airlines have suspended flights to Haiti after a passenger plane from the US was struck by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince.
Spirit Airlines Flight 951, originating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted to the Dominican Republic and landed safely at Santiago Airport. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries, but fortunately, no passengers were harmed in the attack, marking the second such incident in three weeks involving aircraft over Haiti’s capital.
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This incident coincides with the installation of Haiti’s new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who vowed to prioritize “restoring security” in the country, which has been grappling with severe gang violence and instability. Fils-Aimé, a businessman who briefly ran for Senate in 2015, pledged to dedicate his energy, skills, and “patriotism” to serving the nation, despite the country’s ongoing challenges.
The Spirit Airlines flight was scheduled to land at Toussaint Louverture International Airport just before noon local time when it was struck by gunfire.
Unverified videos shared on social media appeared to show several bullet holes inside the aircraft, near the crew area. Spirit Airlines confirmed that damage “consistent with gunfire” was found upon inspection at Santiago Airport, and the aircraft was taken out of service.
In response, Spirit Airlines has suspended all flights to Haiti “pending further evaluation.” American Airlines and JetBlue have also paused their flights to Haiti through at least Thursday.
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The security situation in Haiti has significantly worsened in recent months. In October, gangs targeted a UN helicopter with gunfire, prompting several airlines to temporarily suspend flights. A UN-backed mission, led by Kenyan officers, was launched in June to restore order and combat the growing gang influence.
Spirit Airlines, a low-cost carrier, operates flights throughout the US, Caribbean, and Latin America.
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