Gunfire hits Spirit Airlines flight arriving in Port-au-Prince from Florida

On November 11, 2024, a Spirit Airlines flight arriving from Florida was struck by gunfire while approaching Port-au-Prince, leading to a diversion to the Dominican Republic. The incident injured a flight attendant and left visible bullet holes inside the aircraft, underscoring the escalating violence in Haiti. Following the attack, Toussaint Louverture International Airport grounded all commercial flights, while other airlines, including JetBlue and Air Caraibes, rerouted their planes to avoid the troubled airspace. This incident is particularly alarming as it is the second occurrence of gunfire affecting aircraft in the region in recent weeks, following a similar attack on a United Nations helicopter. The timing of the shooting coincided with a significant political event in Haiti, where a new prime minister was set to be sworn in, highlighting the country's ongoing instability.

In response to the escalating danger, all U. S. carriers, including American Airlines, canceled their flights to Port-au-Prince for the following day. This incident raises serious concerns regarding travel safety in Haiti, where armed gangs have increasingly targeted both civilians and aircraft. The situation emphasizes the urgent need for improved security measures to ensure the safety of air travel in and around Haiti.