A Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale in Florida was diverted to the neighbouring Dominican Republic after being hit by gunfire as it attempted to land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The incident, which occurred on Monday, November 11, 2024, highlights the escalating violence and insecurity plaguing Haiti, prompting several airlines to suspend flights to the country.
The Spirit Airlines Flight 951, carrying passengers from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince, was struck by gunfire just before landing at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The plane was forced to divert and landed safely at Santiago Airport in the Dominican Republic.
The incident comes amid a period of intense political turmoil in Haiti. The country’s Transitional Presidential Council appointed entrepreneur and former senate candidate Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the new prime minister, replacing Garry Conille, who was ousted after just six months in the job.
Didier Fils-Aimé pledged to restore security and democracy in Haiti, which has been plagued by deadly gang violence for years. “We are in a transition, an immense project. Of course, the essential first project — and one necessary to the success of the transition — is the reestablishment of security!” he declared.
The incident has prompted widespread concern about the security situation in Haiti. Several airlines, including American Airlines and JetBlue, have suspended flights to Port-au-Prince until at least Thursday. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a security alert, advising against travel to Haiti, citing “gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports”.
The Latest Incident in a String of Violent Attacks
The incident on Monday was not the first time that an aircraft flying over Port-au-Prince has been targeted by gunfire. In October, a UN helicopter was hit by bullets while flying over the city. The incident prompted several airlines to temporarily suspend flights to Haiti.
The security situation in Haiti has deteriorated in recent months. In March, armed groups launched a violent insurrection that toppled the Haitian prime minister and freed more than 4,600 prisoners from jail. The insurrection also resulted in the closure of the airport in Port-au-Prince, cutting off the city from the world.
The New Prime Minister's Challenge
The new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, faces a formidable task in restoring security and stability to Haiti. The country is gripped by a humanitarian crisis, with widespread hunger, poverty, and displacement. The violence has also hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies.
A Long Road to Recovery
Haiti is facing a multifaceted crisis. The country is struggling with a long history of political instability, poverty, and gang violence. The recent events have underscored the urgent need for international support and a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the crisis and restore peace and security in Haiti.
The future of Haiti remains uncertain. However, the international community is watching closely, hoping that the new prime minister can steer the country towards a path of stability and prosperity.
