SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Following a troubling incident involving the gunfire directed at a U.N. helicopter near Haiti’s main airport, at least one U.S. airline announced a temporary cancellation of flights to the capital.
Spirit Airlines confirmed in a statement that its regular service from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince is suspended until Sunday.
The airline emphasized that the safety of its passengers and employees is its top priority, noting that the situation is under vigilant observation.

This decision comes in the wake of an alarming event where a U.N. helicopter was struck by gunfire shortly after taking off from the main airport, which led to an emergency landing in Port-au-Prince.
According to the World Food Program, the helicopter was carrying 15 passengers and three crew members and landed safely despite the precarious circumstances.

The shooting incident has raised significant alarms amid a broader surge in gang violence throughout Haiti, particularly in the capital.
There are growing concerns surrounding the efficacy of a U.N.-backed mission being conducted by Kenyan police, which appears to be struggling to contain the ongoing unrest.
Both U.S. and Haitian officials have indicated that the Kenyan-led mission is hampered by a lack of personnel and funding, prompting calls for the establishment of a more robust U.N. peacekeeping force.

Earlier this year, the escalating gang violence had severe repercussions, leading to a closure of Haiti’s primary international airport for nearly three months due to coordinated gang attacks.