Spirit Airlines Flight Diverted After Being Shot At; Airport Operations Suspended Amid Escalating Crisis
In a dramatic escalation of Haiti’s security crisis, a Spirit Airlines passenger jet was struck by gunfire over Port-au-Prince on Monday, the same day the troubled Caribbean nation swore in its latest prime minister amid continuing political upheaval.
Aircraft attack forces flight diversions
Spirit Airlines Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was forced to divert to Santiago, Dominican Republic, after coming under fire while approaching Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport. “An inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire,” Spirit Airlines confirmed in a statement.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 revealed the harrowing moments as the aircraft, carrying passengers and crew, descended to just 550 feet over the capital’s Tabarre neighborhood before executing an emergency climb to bypass the runway.
One flight attendant reported “minor injuries” and received a medical evaluation, though no other injuries were reported. The aircraft has been removed from service.
Airport operations suspended
In response to the attack, Haiti’s civil aviation authority implemented an immediate suspension of all flights to Port-au-Prince until November 18. Major carriers including JetBlue, American Airlines, and local operator Sunrise Airways have suspended their Haiti operations, with some suspensions extending through Thursday.
Political transition amid crisis
Against this backdrop of aviation chaos, businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé was sworn in as Haiti’s new prime minister in a Port-au-Prince ceremony. “We are in a transition, an immense project. Of course, the essential first project—and one necessary to the success of the transition—is the re-establishment of security!” Fils-Aimé declared to applause from attendees.
His appointment follows the removal of Garry Conille, who served less than a year in office. The decision came after eight of nine voting members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council signed a declaration on November 8 citing concerns over Conille’s conduct.
Council member Fritz Jean told CNN that Conille had “made decisions without informing the council and took on the duties of the president, such as engaging in diplomatic affairs.” Conille has not publicly responded to these allegations.
Pattern of violence
The aircraft attack marks the latest in a series of violent incidents affecting international operations in Haiti:
- A UN helicopter was hit by gunfire over Port-au-Prince last month
- US embassy vehicles came under attack in October, leading to the evacuation of 20 staff members
- Gang activity forced the closure of both air and sea ports in February and March, disrupting vital aid deliveries
Looking ahead
The convergence of aviation attacks and political transition highlights Haiti’s ongoing struggle with security and governance. The country continues to grapple with widespread gang activity and political instability following the departure of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry earlier this year amid escalating violence.