A Spirit Airlines flight arriving from Florida was struck by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday. The incident caused the aircraft to be diverted to the Dominican Republic, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). One flight attendant suffered minor injuries from debris, but there were no reported injuries among passengers.
In response to the gunfire, three flights heading to Toussaint Louverture International Airport were diverted as a precautionary measure. This action was taken amid heightened security concerns, leading to the temporary closure of the airport. A video circulating on social media revealed a bullet hole near an exit in the plane’s cabin, alongside visible damage in overhead compartments. Visuals shared by the Dominican airport where the Spirit flight landed showed what appeared to be bullet holes on the plane’s exterior.
The flight, identified as Spirit Airlines Flight 951, departed from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport earlier that day. Tracking data indicated that the aircraft was around 550 feet above ground when it swiftly ascended and diverted to Santiago’s Cibao International Airport in the Dominican Republic. Robert Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, emphasized the significance of the decision to divert and the need for airlines to be aware of safety risks in politically unstable areas.
Upon landing safely in the Dominican Republic, the affected plane underwent inspection, confirming damage consistent with gunfire. Following this event, Spirit Airlines temporarily suspended its service to Haiti, citing a need for further evaluation. Similarly, JetBlue reported discovering bullet damage on one of its planes that had just arrived in New York from Port-au-Prince, leading them to suspend all flights to Haiti until December 2. American Airlines also announced the suspension of its Miami-Port-au-Prince flights through Thursday.
This troubling incident highlights the urgency for airlines operating in regions experiencing violence and political unrest to prioritize passenger safety and make necessary adjustments promptly. The situation in Haiti remains precarious, as indicated by advisories from the U.S. Embassy, which warned of travel risks and gang-related disruptions.
While this incident raises serious safety concerns, it is essential to acknowledge that the swift response from airlines and authorities worked effectively to prioritize passenger safety. As the situation evolves, it is hoped that security measures will be reinforced, allowing for safer travel options in the region.