A Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was struck by gunfire on Monday, November 11, as gangs attempted to disrupt travel to and from Haiti’s capital.
The incident occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the country’s new prime minister.
According to the U.S. State Department and Spirit Airlines, the plane was hit multiple times while descending into Port-au-Prince’s international airport. One flight attendant suffered minor injuries from the gunfire.
Photos and videos obtained by the Associated Press reveal bullet holes riddling the interior of the aircraft. In response to the attack, the plane diverted its course and landed safely in the Dominican Republic.
The U.S. Embassy described the incident as part of “gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.”
This is not the first time Spirit Airlines has faced security concerns in Haiti. Last month, the airline temporarily suspended daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince after gang members opened fire on a U.N. helicopter near the main airport.
Spirit Airlines prioritized passenger and crew safety, stating, “We suspended flights the day after the incident to ensure the safety of our passengers and team members.”
