Gunfire Strikes Spirit Airlines Plane, Injures Crew Member Over Haiti
A Spirit Airlines flight to Haiti was struck by gunfire on Monday, injuring a flight attendant, while U.S. authorities raised concerns over gang-led efforts to disrupt travel to the country. The incident took place on a flight en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. After the shooting, the plane was diverted to the Dominican Republic, where the damage was confirmed to be from gunfire.
Spirit Airlines released a statement confirming that the flight was diverted, and a flight attendant suffered minor injuries. “No Guest injuries were reported,” Spirit said. The airline temporarily suspended its services in Haiti after evaluating the situation. Passengers and crew members were then arranged for a return flight to Florida from the Dominican Republic.
American Airlines also took precautionary measures, suspending its flights from Miami to Port-au-Prince. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety, saying, “We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind.”
On the other hand, JetBlue warned of potential disruptions in Haiti, which is experiencing widespread civil unrest. The airline is giving passengers the option to waive cancellation fees between Monday and Saturday.
The U.S. State Department issued an alert, warning of “gang-led efforts to block travel” to Port-au-Prince. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti noted that these efforts could involve “armed violence and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” Travelers are urged to reconsider their travel plans, with the embassy advising, “Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.”
Haiti has been in political turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The country is now plagued by violent armed groups, leading to widespread instability. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed office after the assassination, has been unable to restore order, and with ongoing delays in elections, armed militias continue to terrorize the population.
This recent disruption highlights the growing challenges in Haiti. Both the political climate and safety concerns are making air travel to and from the country increasingly difficult.
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