The main international airport in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was closed after a Spirit Airlines flight from the United States was hit by gunfire while making its final approach. The flight was diverted to the neighbouring Dominican Republic, where it landed safely in Santiago. Damage consistent with gunfire was found on the aircraft, and one flight attendant reported minor injuries. In response to the incident, Spirit Airlines suspended its service to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien. American Airlines also announced the suspension of its daily service to Port-au-Prince until November 14. Local officials confirmed the closure of the airport to all flights following the incident.
Photographs and a video obtained by Al Jazeera show bullet holes in the interior of the plane, an Airbus A321, including the overhead luggage compartments. Haiti is currently facing a significant humanitarian crisis due to ongoing gang violence that has displaced over 700,000 people from their homes, exacerbating poverty and hunger. An escalating gang war in Haiti has resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths this year, according to the United Nations. This incident marks the second time this year that the Port-au-Prince airport has been closed, with operations suspended in March for almost three months. It also occurred just before the installation of a new prime minister after the collapse of the government over the weekend.
This is not the first time aircraft passing over Port-au-Prince have been targeted by suspected gang gunfire. Last month, a UN helicopter carrying 18 people was also hit by gunfire but was able to land safely with no injuries reported. Gang attacks have disrupted plans to send some diplomatic staff back home, following a deadly attack in central Haiti in early October. Survivors described waking up to gunfire and walking for hours to find safety after the assault that claimed the lives of nearly 100 people. In an effort to address the ongoing violence, the UN Security Council extended an arms embargo on Haiti on October 18 due to serious concerns about the high levels of gang violence in the country.
The closure of the main international airport in Haiti’s capital highlights the challenges faced by the country as it struggles to address the escalating gang violence that has caused widespread displacement and loss of life. The suspension of commercial flights to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien disrupts travel and transport for both residents and international visitors, further impacting the already fragile economy and humanitarian situation. The presence of bullet holes in the aircraft serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those operating and traveling through the region, with the potential for further incidents to occur if the root causes of gang violence are not addressed.
International attention and concern for the situation in Haiti have increased following the recent attacks on aircraft and diplomatic staff, as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by gang violence. The United States embassy in Haiti was forced to evacuate nonessential diplomatic staff after gunmen targeted their vehicles, underscoring the dangers faced by those operating in the country. As the violence continues to escalate, with thousands of lives lost this year alone, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the root causes of gang violence in Haiti and restore security and stability to the region. The extension of the arms embargo by the UN Security Council reflects the international community’s recognition of the severity of the situation and the need for decisive measures to address the crisis.
