Spirit Airlines flight attendant injured after plane to Haiti struck by gunfire

A Spirit Airlines flight to Haiti was hit by gunfire on Monday, injuring a flight attendant, as the State Department warned of “gang-led efforts” to stop travel to the country.

Spirit released a statement confirming that one of its flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was diverted to the Dominican Republic on Monday. It said that an inspection of the aircraft showed damage consistent with gunfire.

“One Flight Attendant on board reported minor injuries and is being evaluated by medical personnel,” the statement said. “No Guest injuries were reported.”

Spirit said it is suspending its services to Haiti pending “evaluation” of the incident and that the plane was being taken out of service for the time being. A return flight to Florida is being arranged for members of the crew and the passengers who were diverted to the Dominican Republic.

American Airlines released a statement following the incident that said it was also suspending it’s services from Miami to Port-au-Prince for the time being.

“We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed,” it said.

JetBlue’s website said it was “anticipating disruptions in Haiti due to civil unrest” and waiving cancelation fees from Monday through Saturday.

The State Department issued an alert on Monday from the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, saying it was aware of a pause in operations at the city’s airport.

“The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is aware 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,” the alert said.

Travel to Haiti, which is still in the midst of violent political turmoil, is not advised by the State Department. Even travel within the Caribbean country is not advised.

“You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti,” the embassy said. “Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.”

Haiti has been overcome by armed groups vying for control after a power vacuum was left by the assassination of democratically elected President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Ariel Henry, the prime minister at the time, assumed the role of presidency and failed to hold elections despite being deeply unpopular.

And when he once again delayed elections earlier this year, violence ensued as armed militias plunged the country into civil unrest and put the lives of civilians in danger.

Henry said in April that he would resign once a transitional government is brokered by other Caribbean nations and parties.