Haiti’s International Airport Forced to Close Amid Gang Violence

Escalating Violence Leads to Flight Suspensions and Political Turmoil

Haiti’s international airport was forced to close on Monday after gangs opened fire on a commercial flight attempting to land in Port-au-Prince. The escalation in gang violence has also led several airlines to temporarily suspend operations, as the Caribbean nation swore in a new interim prime minister who pledged to restore peace.

Flight Attacked, Injured Flight Attendant

The targeted Spirit Airlines flight, arriving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, came under gunfire as it neared landing, just hundreds of feet from the Port-au-Prince airport. Bullets struck the aircraft, injuring a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries. The flight was immediately diverted to the Dominican Republic, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy, and flight tracking data.

Political Turmoil and Gang Violence

The U.S. Embassy described the attack as part of “gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines responded by suspending all flights to and from Haiti.

Violence erupted across other parts of Haiti’s capital on Monday, as police exchanged heavy gunfire with gangs in several neighborhoods. Heavily armed officers took cover behind walls while terrified civilians ran for safety, and in some wealthier areas, gangs set homes on fire. Schools were forced to close, and panic spread in multiple communities.

New Interim Prime Minister Vows to Restore Peace

The surge in violence follows a shakeup in Haiti’s interim government. On Sunday, a transitional council responsible for steering the country back toward democracy dismissed interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, replacing him with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The council, however, has been marred by internal conflicts, and three of its members face corruption allegations.

Sworn in on Monday, Fils-Aimé vowed to bring stability to the crisis-hit country and to finally hold elections, which have not taken place in Haiti since 2016. “There is a lot to be done to bring back hope,” he said before an audience of diplomats and security officials. “I’m deeply sorry for the people … that have been victimized, forced to leave everything they own.”

Conclusion

Haiti has been gripped by weeks of political chaos, with many observers warning that the instability could escalate violence in a country where gangs have taken advantage of the power vacuum. The situation remains dire, with the United Nations estimating that gangs control 85% of Port-au-Prince.

FAQs

* What happened to the Spirit Airlines flight?
The flight was attacked by gangs as it neared landing in Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant and forcing the pilot to divert to the Dominican Republic.
* Why did the airlines suspend flights to and from Haiti?
The airlines suspended flights due to the escalating gang violence and the risk of further attacks.
* Who is the new interim prime minister of Haiti?
Alix Didier Fils-Aimé is the new interim prime minister of Haiti, who vowed to restore peace and hold elections in the country.
* What is the current situation in Haiti?
Haiti is experiencing political chaos and gang violence, with the United Nations estimating that gangs control 85% of Port-au-Prince.