Spirit Airlines Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Florida to Port-au-Prince (PAP) in Haiti, was on its landing approach when it was hit by gunfire. The flight was diverted to Santiago in the Dominican Republic where it landed safely.
An inspection of the A320NEO aircraft after landing revealed evidence of significant damage consistent with gunfire.
One flight attendant on board reported “minor injuries” and is being evaluated by medical personnel. No passengers have been reported injured.
Spirit has taken the plane N966NK out of service and is arranging for a different aircraft to return its passengers to Florida on Monday.
This is the second incident in recent weeks of gunfire from armed gangs striking an aircraft coming in to land at Port-au-Prince airport. Just last month, gang gunfire struck a United Nations helicopter, forcing it to return to the airport. No one was injured in that incident.
The US Govt has warned its citizens that “the security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti has to be conducted at your own risk.
“The US government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti.”
Spirit flies to PAP and Cap-Haitien in Haiti from FLL (Fort Lauderdale). American Airlines flies daily to PAP from Miami while JetBlue flies to PAP from FLL & JFK New York. All 3 airlines have now suspended services to Haiti following this incident.
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