In a disturbing turn of events, a Spirit Airlines flight attempting to land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was shot at on Monday and forced to divert, highlighting the escalating violence plaguing the country.
JetBlue Flight Also Struck by Gunfire
On the same day, a JetBlue flight departing from Port-au-Prince was also hit by a bullet. However, the damage wasn’t discovered until the plane had safely landed in New York.
Bullet Holes Discovered in Spirit Flight 951
Spirit Airlines Flight 951, originating from Fort Lauderdale, was rerouted to Santiago in the Dominican Republic, where an inspection revealed suspected bullet holes, according to Spirit spokesperson Tommy Fletcher. The flight, carrying crew and passengers, landed safely at 11:30 a.m.
FAA Responds by Diverting Additional Flights
Following the incident, two more flights bound for Port-au-Prince were redirected. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the diversions.
Spirit Airlines Confirms Damage from Gunfire
“An inspection revealed damage consistent with gunfire,” Fletcher stated. A flight attendant reported minor injuries and received medical attention. Thankfully, no passengers were harmed.
Suspension of Flights to Haiti by Spirit and JetBlue
In response, Spirit Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien. JetBlue also paused all Haiti-bound flights until Dec. 2 after finding a bullet mark on the exterior of one of its planes.
Quick Airport Shutdown in Port-au-Prince
Flight monitoring sites recorded a JetBlue aircraft swiftly diverting away from Port-au-Prince, and the airport shut down shortly afterward.
Shots Fired from Ground Near Port-au-Prince Airport
The gunfire targeting the Spirit plane is suspected to have come from the ground, though the shooters remain unidentified. Gang violence, particularly near the capital’s airport, has surged, contributing to the unrest.
Social Media Videos Show Aftermath
Videos circulating online show the aircraft’s interior riddled with bullet holes in overhead compartments and panels. The authenticity of these videos remains unconfirmed by The New York Times.
American Airlines Joins Flight Cancellations
American Airlines also suspended flights to Haiti until Thursday afternoon, as the threat to aircraft intensifies.
Witness Describes the Terrifying Scene
“We could hear ‘clack, clack, clack’ — the metal and plastic cracking inside the plane,” recounted Jean-David Desrouleaux, a passenger, in an interview with The Miami Herald. “Some of us knew exactly what was happening.”
Violence Hits New Heights Following UN Helicopter Attack
Last month, a UN helicopter carrying 15 passengers was similarly attacked while flying over a gang-controlled area in Port-au-Prince, highlighting the scale of gang dominance.
U.S. Armored Vehicles Set Ablaze by Gangs
Recent images of a U.S. armored vehicle, reportedly set on fire by a gang, spread across social media. Last month, U.S. Embassy vehicles were also targeted in Port-au-Prince.
Political Unrest in Haiti Following Prime Minister’s Ouster
This violence comes just one day after Haiti’s interim prime minister was dismissed by a transitional council, fueling speculation that the political turmoil may be exacerbating gang activity.
Kenyan Forces Join to Aid Security in Haiti
Kenyan police arrived in June to restore order and reopen the Port-au-Prince airport. Although their presence initially brought stability, attacks have since surged.
Calls for International Action Against Gang Violence
As the international community rallies to support Haiti, Dominican President Luis Abinader called for the U.S. and Haitian authorities to officially designate Haitian gangs as terrorists. “It’s a terrorist act,” he declared, emphasizing the need for a united response.
