Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A Spirit Airlines flight traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, was struck by gunfire on Monday, resulting in the diversion of the aircraft to the Dominican Republic, where it landed safely in Santiago. The incident left one person, a flight attendant, with a minor injury caused by a bullet graze. Fortunately, no other passengers were harmed during the attack.

Spirit Airlines released a statement confirming the incident, stating that the aircraft had been damaged by gunfire upon inspection after landing in the Dominican Republic. As a precautionary measure, the plane involved in the shooting was taken out of service, and a different aircraft will be used to transport passengers and crew back to Fort Lauderdale.

Following the shooting, authorities at Toussaint Louverture international airport in Haiti decided to ground all commercial flights as a safety measure. Flight tracking data revealed that both JetBlue Airways and Amerijet cargo planes altered their routes to avoid Haiti in the aftermath of the incident. The US embassy issued a security alert acknowledging the airport’s temporary shutdown and warning of potential gang-related disruptions to travel in and out of Port-au-Prince, including armed violence.

This incident marked the second time in recent weeks that an aircraft traveling over Port-au-Prince was targeted by gunfire from armed gangs. In October, a United Nations helicopter was struck by gang gunfire, prompting its return to the airport, fortunately without causing any injuries.

The ongoing insecurity in Haiti, exacerbated by politically connected gangs, has led to a volatile and unpredictable security situation. The recent appointment of a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, by Haiti’s transitional presidential council aims to bring stability to the country in the face of growing challenges and violence. The capital city remains heavily impacted by gang activity, with residents uncertain about when authorities will be able to regain control and ensure the safety of the population.

As tensions continue to rise in Haiti, the US government urges caution for its residents traveling to the country, emphasizing the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the security environment. Travel within Haiti is advised to be undertaken at individual risk, with a reminder that personal safety cannot be guaranteed, especially in high-risk areas such as airports, borders, and during any onward travel arrangements.