Gunfire Hits Spirit Airlines Flight to Haiti Injuring Crew Member as U.S. Warns of Gang-Led Disruptions

By Blessing Nweke

Gunfire struck a Spirit Airlines flight traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday, injuring a flight attendant and prompting the airline to suspend its services to the country. The flight was diverted to the Dominican Republic for inspection, where it was confirmed that the aircraft had sustained damage consistent with gunfire. The injured crew member was treated for minor injuries, and no passengers were reported hurt.

In a statement, Spirit Airlines announced it would temporarily halt all flights to Haiti as it assessed the safety of the situation. A return flight to Florida for passengers and crew members from the diverted flight was being arranged.

The U.S. State Department quickly issued a travel advisory, warning of “gang-led efforts” to disrupt travel to Haiti, urging Americans to reconsider traveling to the country amid ongoing violence and instability. The advisory highlighted that gang activity has led to disruptions at airports, ports, and along roads in Haiti.

Meanwhile, JetBlue reported that a post-flight inspection revealed its aircraft, which had recently flown from Port-au-Prince to New York, had also been struck by gunfire. However, no issues were reported during the flight, and the airline announced it was suspending operations in Haiti through at least December 2 due to “ongoing civil unrest.”

American Airlines also paused flights between Miami and Port-au-Prince, citing security concerns.

Haiti remains engulfed in violence, with armed groups vying for control after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, exacerbating the country’s instability. The U.S. State Department continues to advise against all travel to Haiti.