Several airlines have temporarily halted flights to Haiti following an attack on a Spirit Airlines plane attempting to land in Port-au-Prince.
The incident occurred on Spirit Airlines Flight 951, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was scheduled to land at Toussaint Louverture International Airport just before noon on Monday.
The Florida-based budget carrier Spirit Airlines operates flights across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America.
The aircraft was struck by gunfire as it approached Haiti’s capital, forcing it to divert to Santiago Airport in the Dominican Republic, where it landed safely.
A flight attendant sustained minor injuries in the attack, but no passengers were harmed.
This marks the second time in three weeks that a plane has been targeted while flying over Port-au-Prince.
Spirit Airlines confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage “consistent with gunfire” during the incident.
The plane was taken out of service for inspection, and the airline announced the suspension of its flights to Haiti “pending further evaluation.”
The airline said, “Damage consistent with gunfire was found when the plane was inspected at Santiago Airport.
As a precaution, we have temporarily suspended flights to Haiti.”
Two other U.S.-based carriers, American Airlines and JetBlue, have suspended flights to Haiti until Thursday, citing safety concerns.
An unverified video shared on social media showed several bullet holes inside the plane’s crew area, further heightening concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Haiti.
This latest attack comes amidst escalating violence and growing gang influence in the country.
Armed groups have seized control of significant areas in Port-au-Prince, making travel and commerce increasingly dangerous.
The attack coincided with the inauguration of Haiti’s new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who has pledged to focus on restoring security. Speaking to AFP news agency, Fils-Aimé stated, “Notwithstanding the country’s difficult circumstances, I will put all of my energy, skills, and patriotism at the service of the national cause.”
A businessman and former Senate candidate, Fils-Aimé, takes office after the ousting of his predecessor, Garry Conille, who was removed less than six months into his term.
Haiti has been grappling with a surge in violence in recent months. In October, gang members reportedly fired at a UN helicopter, prompting some airlines to suspend flights temporarily.
A UN-backed policing mission led by Kenyan officers began in June to address the growing instability, but progress has been slow in regaining control from armed groups.
Major airlines’ suspension of flights to Haiti raises concerns about the country’s increasing isolation due to its worsening security crisis.
