Spirit Airlines Flight Hit by Gunfire in Haiti

A Spirit Airlines flight bound for Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was hit by gunfire as it approached the airport, prompting the crew to reroute and land in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Spirit Airlines statement:

'Spirit Airlines flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Port-au-Prince (PAP) diverted and landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI). 'Following the flight’s arrival at STI, an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire.

One Flight Attendant on board reported minor injuries and is being evaluated by medical personnel. 'No Guest injuries were reported. The plane has been taken out of service, and we are arranging for a different aircraft to return our Guests and crew to FLL today. The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haitien (CAP) pending further evaluation.'

This video on X shows the extent of the damage

The aircraft has been removed from service. Spirit Airlines has emphasized safety as its “top priority” and announced a suspension of service to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien until further notice

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a 30-day ban on civil flights to Haiti after Spirit Airlines flight was hit by gunfire. JetBlue has also said a post-flight inspection in New York found damage from a bullet on one of its planes returning from Haiti.

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince posted on X, warning Americans to avoid traveling to Haiti due to potential protests, unrest, and “gang-led efforts to block travel” to and from the city. The embassy noted that operations at Toussaint L’Ouverture Airport were temporarily paused, advising that travel within Haiti carries significant risks and cannot be guaranteed safe by the U.S. government.

This incident follows months of rising violence and instability in Haiti. Recently, a U.N. helicopter was also struck by gunfire over Port-au-Prince, and political tensions remain high, as seen in the dismissal of interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, replaced by Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.