A Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Haiti was diverted to the Dominican Republic after sustaining gunfire damage. Major airlines have since suspended service to Haiti due to escalating safety concerns.
Santiago, DR (3-minute read) — A Spirit Airlines flight en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was forced to divert to Santiago, Dominican Republic, after the aircraft was reportedly struck by gunfire mid-flight. Spirit Airlines Flight 951 had departed Monday morning and landed safely in Santiago following the incident.
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Upon landing, an inspection revealed damage consistent with gunfire, with reports showing bullet holes in the emergency exit door and overhead compartments. A video circulating on X confirmed the extent of the damage. Although passengers were unharmed, one flight attendant sustained minor injuries and was assessed by medical personnel.
Following this incident, Spirit Airlines announced it has suspended all flights to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien in Haiti for further safety evaluations. In addition, Jet Blue and American Airlines declared they would also be halting services to both Haitian destinations until conditions are deemed safe. The safety concerns stem from mounting security challenges in Haiti, where gang activity has recently escalated, affecting critical infrastructures, including the main airport.
Spirit Airlines flight NK951 attempting to land in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince has been struck by gunfire, forcing it to be diverted to the Dominican Republic.
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) November 11, 2024
At least one person, a flight attendant, was grazed by a bullet, a source said.
All flights in and out of the… pic.twitter.com/NBBOzvRRmI
The U.S. embassy in Haiti reported that Port-au-Prince’s main airport had temporarily closed after gangs attempted to assert control over the area. The timing of the incident coincided with political upheaval, as the Haitian ruling council prepared to swear in businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime as the new prime minister, following the ousting of the previous leader.
The U.S. State Department has now issued a “do not travel” advisory for Haiti, urging Americans to avoid travel to the country due to the volatile security situation. Spirit Airlines has stated it will arrange another aircraft to transport the affected passengers and crew back to Fort Lauderdale.
Safety Tip: Always stay updated on travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State, especially when flying to areas with high-security concerns. Understanding potential risks before traveling is crucial for personal safety.
