A Spirit Airlines plane traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Haiti was struck by gunfire while attempting to land at Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport on Monday, prompting the aircraft to divert and make an emergency landing in the Dominican Republic.
The Haitian National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC) confirmed that the plane was hit four times by gunfire as it approached the airport in the capital city. In response, the airline quickly made the decision to divert the flight to Santiago, Dominican Republic, where the plane landed safely.
Spirit Airlines confirmed that no passengers on board the flight reported injuries. However, one flight attendant sustained minor, unspecified injuries and is undergoing medical evaluation. After landing in the Dominican Republic, an inspection of the aircraft revealed damage consistent with gunfire. The plane was taken out of service, and a replacement aircraft was arranged to return the passengers and crew to Fort Lauderdale.
As a precaution, all airlines have temporarily suspended flights to Toussaint Louverture Airport following the incident. Both American Airlines and JetBlue announced they would halt flights to Haiti until at least Thursday.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert warning American citizens of the ongoing instability in the country. The embassy noted that gang-related violence continues to disrupt travel in and out of Port-au-Prince, including roadblocks, attacks, and disturbances at airports and ports.
“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the embassy’s alert stated. “The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti.”
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing Haiti amid escalating violence and political instability, with gangs exerting increasing control over key areas of the country. This is the latest in a series of disruptions affecting both domestic and international travel to and from Port-au-Prince.
Advertise with McKoy’s News!
🚀 Boost Your Business with McKoy’s News! 🚀
Let us help you grow your brand with our comprehensive advertising solutions:
Create Your Own Business Page:
Showcase your business with a personalized page on McKoy’s News. Highlight your products or services with multiple photos, contact information, and detailed descriptions.
Engaging Banner Ads:
Capture attention with visually stunning banner ads that promote your brand across our website, reaching a large audience with every click.
Dynamic Video Ads:
Tell your story with impactful video advertisements, designed to engage viewers and drive traffic to your business.
Feature Articles:
Gain credibility and visibility with feature articles on McKoy’s News. Share your success stories, latest offerings, and expert insights with our readers.
Ready to Elevate Your Business?
Contact us today and let McKoy’s News be your partner in success.