A Spirit Airlines flight from Florida experienced a harrowing incident when it was struck by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday. The flight, designated as Spirit Airlines Flight 951, had to divert to the Dominican Republic’s Cibao International Airport after the troubling event. Fortunately, the airline reported that while one flight attendant suffered minor injuries due to flying debris, no passengers were harmed in the ordeal.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that following this incident, two additional flights heading to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince were also diverted as a safety measure. The airport has since closed due to the shooting, raising concerns over safety and security in the region.
Social media revealed a video showing what appeared to be a bullet hole inside the aircraft near an exit, alongside indications of damage to an overhead compartment. External images shared by the airport in the Dominican Republic also displayed possible bullet holes in the aircraft fuselage.
The flight originated from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and circled over Port-au-Prince before making its emergency ascent and diversion to the Dominican Republic. Former National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt praised the decision to reroute the plane, emphasizing the necessity for airlines to be aware of potential risks in regions marked by political unrest.
In light of this incident, Spirit Airlines has grounded the aircraft involved and is coordinating alternative arrangements to return the passengers back to Fort Lauderdale. In tandem, the airline announced a suspension of services to Haiti pending further assessment of the situation. JetBlue, which also discovered that one of its flights had been hit by gunfire upon landing in New York, likewise halted its travel to and from Haiti. American Airlines has also paused flights between Miami and Port-au-Prince through Thursday, monitoring the evolving security conditions closely.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable security challenges currently facing Haiti, which the U.S. Embassy has highlighted in warnings about potential armed violence and travel disruptions. However, there is hope that as authorities and airlines take proactive measures in response to such incidents, they can enhance safety protocols and work towards safer travel avenues in the future.
In summary, the quick thinking of the flight crew impacted by the gunfire ensured the safety of the passengers and crew, leading to an emergency landing without further injury. This event has prompted several airlines to reevaluate their schedules and protocols, potentially leading to improved travel safety for future flights.