Airlines Halt Flights to Haiti After US Passenger Plane is Shot At
A bullet hole in Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port au Prince. One flight attendant was injured. Image from video screen grab.
Background
Several airlines have stopped flights to Haiti after a US passenger plane was shot at while trying to land in Port-au-Prince. Spirit Airlines Flight 951, coming from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was quickly diverted to the Dominican Republic and made a safe landing at Santiago Airport.
Incident Details
The flight, which had 48 passengers on board, was hit by gunfire as it attempted to land at Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport. A flight attendant suffered minor injuries, but no passengers were hurt. This is the second attack in three weeks on planes flying over Haiti’s capital.
New Prime Minister’s Response
The incident happened just as a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, took office. He said his main goal is "restoring security" in the country, which is struggling with armed gangs and increasing violence. Despite the "difficult circumstances," he promised to use all his energy, skills, and "patriotism" to help the country.
Airlines’ Response
Spirit Airlines said an inspection at Santiago Airport found "damage consistent with gunfire," and the plane was taken out of service. The airline has now stopped flights to Haiti "for further evaluation." Two other US airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue, have also paused flights to Haiti until at least Thursday. It is now likely that the US will ban civilian flights to Haiti altogether.
Haiti’s Security Situation
Haiti’s security situation has worsened recently. In October, gang members fired at a UN helicopter, causing some airlines to cancel flights to the country. A UN-backed policing mission led by Kenyan officers began in June to try to take control back from gangs.
Other Flights Affected
A second flight, New York-bound JetBlue Airways Flight 935, was hit after take off. JetBlue only discovered it has been shot at after the crew arrived safely at John F. Kennedy International Airport. An Air Caraïbes flight from Paris to Santo Domingo, typically stopping in Port-au-Prince, was also diverted directly to Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo due to escalating violence near the Haitian airport.
President’s Statement
President Abinader of the Dominican Republic said that the attack on an aircraft in Haiti was "an act of terrorism." During La Semanal con la Prensa, Abinader expressed frustration with the ongoing violence in Haiti and warned that Dominican authorities treat these gangs as terrorists, emphasizing the consequences they would face if entering Dominican territory. He stressed the urgency for global action against these groups, calling the shooting "a terrorist act" and highlighting the danger posed by such incidents.
Conclusion
The shooting of a US passenger plane in Haiti highlights the ongoing security concerns in the country. The incident has led to several airlines halting flights to Haiti, and it is likely that the US will ban civilian flights to the country altogether.
FAQs
Q: Who was on board the Spirit Airlines flight?
A: The identity of the passengers is unknown, but it was reported that there were 48 passengers on board.
Q: Were any passengers hurt?
A: No passengers were hurt, but a flight attendant suffered minor injuries.
Q: Why did the flight attendants divert the plane to the Dominican Republic?
A: The flight attendants diverted the plane to the Dominican Republic after it was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince.
Q: What is the current security situation in Haiti?
A: Haiti’s security situation has worsened recently, with armed gangs and increasing violence posing a threat to the country.
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