A Spirit Airlines flight en route to Port-au-Prince from Florida was struck by suspected gang gunfire on Monday, causing it to be diverted to the Dominican Republic.
A flight attendant was grazed by a bullet, and no other passenger injuries were reported.
The shooting prompted authorities to halt all commercial flights at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. JetBlue Airways and Amerijet cargo flights were seen rerouting away from Haiti after the incident.
The US Embassy noted “gang-led efforts” to disrupt travel in the region, citing risks of armed violence at roads, ports, and airports.
Spirit Airlines confirmed that Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale was diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic, where inspection revealed gunfire-related damage to the aircraft.
The airline announced that the plane was taken out of service, and a different aircraft would return the passengers and crew to Fort Lauderdale.
In a statement, Spirit Airlines emphasized the safety of its guests and employees, temporarily suspending service to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien for further assessment.
The US government has warned citizens about Haiti’s unpredictable security situation, advising caution when considering travel within the country.
This was at least the second recent instance of gang gunfire affecting an aircraft in Port-au-Prince. In October, gang gunfire struck a UN helicopter, forcing it to return to the airport.
In March, politically connected gangs launched an insurrection that ousted Haiti’s prime minister, freed thousands of prisoners, and cut off Port-au-Prince from the outside world. Control of the capital remains contested by these groups.
Haiti’s transitional presidential council recently appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the new prime minister, replacing Garry Conille, who was dismissed amid political turmoil.
