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Port-au-Prince, November 12, 2024: Spirit Airlines and JetBlue have suspended all flights to Haiti following incidents in which their planes were struck by gunfire while operating in Port-au-Prince. The gunfire incidents, confirmed by both airlines on Monday, underscore the worsening security situation in Haiti as armed gangs continue to control key areas around the capital.
On Monday, Spirit Airlines Flight 951, traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was hit by gunfire while attempting to land at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The flight was diverted to Santiago in the Dominican Republic, where it landed safely. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries, though no passengers were harmed. JetBlue later discovered that a stray bullet had also hit one of its departing planes.
In response, both airlines immediately suspended their services to and from Haiti. Spirit Airlines confirmed that it had halted flights “pending further evaluation,” and JetBlue stated it would pause flights to Haiti through December 2. American Airlines has also canceled flights, citing security risks.
These suspensions follow a recent increase in violence and travel disruptions as armed gangs have increasingly targeted transportation routes, including roads and airports. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has issued travel alerts for U.S. citizens, warning of “armed violence” and heightened risks in the area.
Haiti’s new Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, took office recently and has pledged to focus on restoring security amid these crises and directing all available resources toward tackling the gang violence that has gripped the nation.
