Gang gunfire hits Spirit Airlines and JetBlue flights
November 12, 2024
Two aircraft have been struck by gunfire whilst flying over Haiti, with Spirit Airlines and JetBlue flights caught up in the crossfire of escalating gang violence in the capital.
The violence comes as Haiti’s transitional presidential council formally appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aime as Haiti’s new prime minister, succeeding previous prime minister Garry Conille – who himself spent less than six months in office before being sacked. However, with allegations of corruption ongoing, political turmoil remains rife in a country racked by civil unrest – with gang activity especially prevalent.
On 11 November, Spirit Airlines flight NK951 was struck by gunfire as it attempted to land in Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport, before successfully diverting to Santiago’s El Cibao International Airport. “Following the flight’s arrival… an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire,” clarified a Spirit spokesperson, adding: “One flight attendant on board reported minor injuries and is being evaluated by medical personnel. No guest injuries were reported”. Another Spirit aircraft was deployed from Miami’s Fort Lauderdale to retrieve the passengers and crew after they returned to Santiago.
Additionally, JetBlue’s Flight 935 – which was also the target of ground-based gunfire – landed safely at New York’s JFK airport, the carrier later confirmed. “While no issues were initially reported by the operating crew, a post-flight inspection later identified that the aircraft’s exterior had been struck by a bullet,” explained a JetBlue spokesperson.
Due to the ongoing civil unrest in Haiti, the Haitian civil aviation authority has temporarily suspended all services from the airport, with the NOTAM expected to last until at least Monday 18 November. Both carriers have also immediately ceased services to Haiti pending further evaluation. In an update issued the same day, the US Embassy in Haiti described the security situation as “unpredictable and dangerous,” adding: “The US government cannot guarantee your safety travelling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel”.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) joined the condemnation of the attack, highlighting the “urgent need for robust security measures to protect air operations”. “Safe air operations are vital for Haiti’s connectivity, especially given the island’s isolated geography and its reliance on aviation for essential supplies and mobility,” commented Peter Cerdá, IATA’s regional vice president for the Americas. “We call on the Haitian government to take immediate, decisive action to secure air travel routes and restore confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
