Airlines Halt Haiti Flights After Aircraft Hit by Gunfire
Airlines suspended flights to Haiti on Monday after gunfire struck two commercial aircraft, injuring a crew member, as the US State Department warned of “gang-led efforts” to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince.
A Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) flight heading to Port-au-Prince from Fort Lauderdale was diverted to the Dominican Republic after sustaining damage consistent with gunfire. A flight attendant reported minor injuries and received medical evaluation, while no passengers were hurt, the airline said in a statement. Spirit suspended its services pending evaluation of the incident.
In a separate incident, JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) discovered evidence that one of its aircraft had been hit by a round during a post-flight inspection of the exterior after arriving at New York’s JFK airport from Port-au-Prince. The crew had not reported any issues during the flight.
Three major US carriers have now suspended services: Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines, with American specifically halting flights from Miami to Port-au-Prince. JetBlue announced its suspension will last at least through December 2, citing “ongoing civil unrest.”
The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued an alert warning of potential armed violence and disruptions to transportation infrastructure, including roads, ports, and airports. The State Department continues to advise against all travel to Haiti, with the embassy stating: “You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti.”
The violence comes amid deepening political instability following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Armed groups have intensified their fight for control after Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed the presidency following Moïse’s death, repeatedly delayed elections. Henry announced in April he would step down once Caribbean nations help broker a transitional government.
This latest disruption comes just six months after the Toussaint-Louverture International Airport reopened following a three-month closure due to gang violence. The May reopening had briefly eased critical shortages of medications and basic supplies, though the country’s main seaport remains paralyzed with gangs controlling 80% of the capital.
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