Gunfire Strikes Spirit Airlines Plane During Haiti Landing Attempt

On Monday, November 11, Haiti’s international airport experienced a temporary shutdown due to a harrowing incident where gangs opened fire on a Spirit Airlines flight as it attempted to land in Port-Au-Prince. This alarming event coincided with the swearing-in of a new prime minister, highlighting the ongoing security crisis in the region, as confirmed by both the U.S. State Department and the airline. The safety of passengers and crew remains a top priority amidst the escalating violence impacting travel to and from the Caribbean nation.

Detailed Account of the Gunfire Incident Involving Spirit Airlines

According to reports from the Associated Press, the Spirit Airlines flight was en route to Port-Au-Prince from Fort Lauderdale when it was struck by gunfire multiple times just before touchdown. Remarkably, one flight attendant sustained a minor injury from the incident, which could have had dire consequences. Disturbing photos and videos shared by the Associated Press display the bullet holes that marred the interior of the aircraft, underscoring the dangers posed to commercial aviation in this volatile region.

In a decisive response to the attack, the aircraft altered its flight path and safely landed in the Dominican Republic instead, as announced by Spirit Airlines. This incident is part of a broader pattern, as described by the U.S. Embassy, referencing “gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” The situation reflects the serious implications for travelers and the aviation sector amid rising gang violence.

BREAKING: Spirit Airlines flight from Florida hit by gunfire while trying to land in Haiti. pic.twitter.com/M3DbjlC4sb

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) November 11, 2024

Just last month, Spirit Airlines had to suspend its daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to Port-Au-Prince due to similar threats. At that time, the Associated Press reported a concerning incident where gang members fired upon a U.N. helicopter in close proximity to the main airport. Following this alarming event, Spirit Airlines made the prudent decision to suspend flights, prioritizing the safety of its passengers and crew amidst a climate of escalating violence.

Current State of Affairs and Violence in Haiti

In various neighborhoods of Haiti’s capital, fierce confrontations between gangs and police erupted, with the sound of gunfire reverberating through the streets. Heavily armed officers took cover behind walls as civilians fled in panic, highlighting the pervasive fear that grips the population. In wealthier areas, gangs escalated their tactics by setting homes ablaze, and schools were forced to close as chaos spread throughout the community. This violence paints a grim picture of the deteriorating security situation.

The unrest follows the abrupt firing of interim prime minister Garry Conille, who was replaced by businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. This decision came from a council that convened in April to restore democratic governance in Haiti. Their mission included selecting a new prime minister and cabinet. Despite having initially appointed Conille six months prior, tensions within the council remained high, with ongoing corruption allegations against several members and reports of internal strife damaging their credibility.

Widespread violence in Haiti has surged dramatically since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, leading to weeks of political disorder and rampant bloodshed. Gangs have exploited the prevailing chaos to expand their reach, controlling airports and shipping ports. Despite the turmoil, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for Monday afternoon, marking a critical moment for the nation amid ongoing instability.

Outside of the escalating violence in Haiti, Spirit Airlines has recently made headlines for a different reason after passengers reported spotting a “super rat” aboard their flight from Dallas to Los Angeles, raising fresh concerns about airline safety and cleanliness.

RELATED: Yikes! Spirit Airlines Passengers React After Seemingly Spotting A “Super Rat” During Their Flight (WATCH)

This report includes contributions from Associated Press reporters Pierre Luxama, Evens Sanon, and Megan Janetsky, who have been covering the developing situation in Haiti closely.