A Spirit Airlines jetliner was hit by gunfire while making its approach to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday, leaving one flight attendant with minor injuries. The flight, Spirit 951, had departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was diverted to the Dominican Republic after the incident. An inspection revealed damage consistent with gunfire, though no passengers were injured. In response, Spirit Airlines suspended its flights to Haiti for further evaluation. The affected aircraft was grounded, and efforts were made to return passengers to Fort Lauderdale.
The Port-au-Prince airport halted all commercial flights following the attack, and American Airlines also suspended its Miami-Haiti route until Thursday. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti acknowledged ongoing gang-led efforts to block travel, including violence and disruptions at transportation hubs.
This incident occurs amid rising political instability in Haiti, as the country prepares to swear in a new prime minister, following the announcement that current Prime Minister Garry Conille would be replaced. Haiti has not held elections since 2016, deepening the political vacuum and exacerbating existing security and health crises. The nation faces escalating challenges that threaten further instability and chaos.
