Airlines suspend Haiti flights after plane hit by gunfire

Several airlines have suspended flights to Haiti following an incident in which a passenger plane was struck by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince. Spirit Airlines Flight 951, coming from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic, after being hit by bullets during its descent toward Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Fortunately, the plane landed safely, and while a flight attendant sustained minor injuries, no passengers were hurt.

This attack marks the second time in three weeks that an aircraft flying over Haiti’s capital has come under gunfire. Spirit Airlines confirmed that the damage to the plane was “consistent with gunfire” following an inspection at Santiago Airport. The airline has since grounded the aircraft and suspended all flights to Haiti “pending further evaluation.”

In response to the growing security concerns, two other major U.S. carriers—American Airlines and JetBlue—also announced they would suspend their flights to Haiti until at least Thursday. The escalating violence and instability in the country have prompted these measures, as airline officials assess the safety risks posed by the ongoing conflict.

The gunfire incident occurred against the backdrop of a worsening security crisis in Haiti, which has been plagued by armed gangs and widespread violence. The country is currently experiencing a period of political transition, with a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, assuming office amid the turmoil. Fils-Aimé, a businessman who previously ran for a Senate seat in 2015, pledged to focus on “restoring security” in his new role. He acknowledged the nation’s “difficult circumstances” but vowed to dedicate his “energy, skills, and patriotism to the national cause.”

Fils-Aimé’s appointment comes after the abrupt removal of his predecessor, Garry Conille, who was ousted less than six months into his tenure. Fils-Aimé, who studied at Boston University, was installed by the ruling council as the country seeks stability and a way to regain control from the increasingly powerful gangs that have been terrorizing the population.

The situation in Haiti has continued to deteriorate in recent months, with gangs not only targeting civilians but also attacking international organizations. In October, armed gang members fired at a United Nations (UN) helicopter, prompting several airlines to temporarily cancel flights to the island nation. The security forces’ ability to control the country has been severely weakened by the growing influence of these gangs, which control much of the capital and other key areas.

In response to the escalating violence, the UN deployed a peacekeeping mission led by Kenyan officers in June. The mission aims to help restore order and support the Haitian government in regaining control from the gangs. However, the effectiveness of this mission remains uncertain, and the security situation in the country continues to spiral downward.

Spirit Airlines, a Florida-based low-cost carrier, primarily serves routes throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America. The airline has suspended flights to Haiti as a precautionary measure while authorities evaluate the safety situation. As the situation unfolds, other airlines may follow suit depending on the security developments in the region.

The decision to suspend flights to Haiti highlights the growing concerns over the safety of air travel to and from the country, with passengers and crew increasingly at risk of becoming victims of the violent gangs operating in the region. With Haiti’s security forces struggling to regain control, and the presence of international peacekeepers yet to yield significant results, the future of air travel to the island remains uncertain.