Spirit Airlines Flight to Haiti Diverted After Reported Gunfire Strike

A Spirit Airlines flight en route to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted on Monday after reportedly being struck by gunfire. The aircraft, carrying passengers to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, safely landed in the Dominican Republic, and authorities reported that a flight attendant was grazed by a bullet during the incident.

The airline has not yet issued a comment on the event. Following the reported gunfire, authorities grounded all commercial flights at the airport in Port-au-Prince, and flight tracking showed JetBlue and Amerijet cargo planes diverting away from Haiti.

This marks the second known incident in recent weeks involving gang-related gunfire impacting aircraft over Port-au-Prince. Last month, a United Nations helicopter was struck, although it safely returned without injuries. Violence and instability have increased in the city since politically connected gangs mounted an insurrection in March, leading to widespread disruption, including a prison break, airport closure, and city lockdown.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, Haiti’s transitional presidential council has appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, an entrepreneur and former Senate candidate, as the country’s new prime minister. Fils-Aimé replaces Garry Conille, who was dismissed following a politically tumultuous term since his appointment in May.

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