A Spirit Airlines passenger jet came under gunfire while attempting to land at Haiti's international airport, in an unprecedented attack that left one crew member wounded. The aircraft, which originated from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was forced to abort its landing after shots were fired at the plane, causing minor injuries to a flight attendant.
According to The Washington Post, the attack occurred last Monday, prompting the aircraft to divert to the Dominican Republic, where authorities confirmed the shooting damage. The US Federal Aviation Administration reported that Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport suspended operations temporarily on Monday.
The incident has triggered immediate responses from major US carriers. JetBlue Airways suspended its Haiti-bound flights until at least Thursday, while American Airlines recalled a Monday flight back to Fort Lauderdale. Spirit Airlines announced an indefinite suspension of its Haiti operations pending a thorough investigation, and the targeted aircraft has been removed from service.
While Haiti's pristine beaches have long drawn international attention, the country remains inaccessible by direct flights from Israel. International media reports indicate an increasingly volatile political and social climate in the nation, with a surge in criminal activities reported across the island in recent months.
