In a disturbing development for air travel to Haiti, gunfire hit two commercial flights bound for Port-au-Prince, prompting Spirit Airlines and JetBlue to suspend service to the troubled capital.
The incidents, attributed to escalating gang activity, have raised alarm among international airlines and the U.S. government as violence continues to impact the country’s infrastructure, ABC News reported.
A Spirit Airlines jet from Fort Lauderdale was first to be affected. The plane was struck by bullets four times as it approached Toussaint Louverture Airport in Port-au-Prince. Forced to abort its landing, the plane diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic, where it safely touched down. One crew member sustained minor injuries, while passengers were unharmed, according to a statement from Spirit Airlines. Inspection of the aircraft confirmed damage consistent with gunfire.
The Federal Aviation Administration has corroborated Spirit’s account, stating that the aircraft was damaged during its attempted landing in Port-au-Prince and safely diverted afterward. Other flights destined for the airport were also rerouted as a preventive measure. Toussaint Louverture Airport has since been closed until further notice, per a report from Haiti’s National Office of Civil Aviation.
A separate incident involved a JetBlue flight arriving in New York City from Port-au-Prince. Upon its post-flight inspection, airline staff discovered that the exterior of the plane had been hit by gunfire. Though no injuries were reported, JetBlue took the additional step of halting all flights to Haiti until December 2 due to ongoing civil unrest.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a stark security warning following these events, advising citizens that travel in and around Port-au-Prince is fraught with dangers, including potential violence on key routes to the airport and other exit points. The embassy emphasized that the situation remains highly unpredictable and cautioned travelers to consider their safety seriously before planning any journeys within the country.
Haiti’s security situation, worsened by gang-led violence and civil instability, poses significant risks for travelers and transportation alike. The suspension of flights by major airlines underscores the severity of the threat and leaves Haiti increasingly isolated from international air traffic.
As the country’s crisis unfolds, airlines and authorities are urging travelers to stay informed and make careful decisions regarding any plans in Haiti.
Written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
