Port-au-Prince, Haiti – November 12, 2024
Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has been thrust deeper into crisis after a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale was struck by gunfire while approaching the international airport on Monday. The attack, which authorities have linked to rising gang violence, forced the temporary closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport and led to multiple airlines suspending or rerouting flights to and from Haiti, exacerbating the country’s already unstable situation.
Spirit Airlines Flight Hit by Gunfire
On Monday, as a Spirit Airlines flight was preparing to land in Port-au-Prince, bullets fired by local gangs struck the plane. A flight attendant was grazed by a bullet but fortunately sustained only minor injuries. The plane was quickly diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic, where an inspection revealed visible bullet damage. In response to the shooting, Haitian authorities grounded all commercial flights at the airport, which prompted other airlines, including JetBlue Airways and Amerijet, to cancel or reroute flights. The U.S. embassy issued a travel alert, warning of the escalating violence and its impact on transportation routes, including roads, ports, and airports in and around Port-au-Prince.
Airlines Suspend Flights, Leaving Travelers Stranded
In the aftermath of the incident, Spirit Airlines grounded the affected aircraft and replaced it to fly passengers back to Florida. Other airlines, including JetBlue and American Airlines, canceled several flights to and from Haiti. JetBlue, in particular, extended its suspension of flights until December 2 after discovering bullet damage on another plane that had been scheduled to fly to Port-au-Prince. The airport closure and flight cancellations have left many travelers stranded, further isolating Haiti and worsening the strain on the country’s already fragile infrastructure.
Gang Violence Intensifies in Port-au-Prince
The attack on the Spirit Airlines flight highlights the growing violence in Port-au-Prince. On the same day as the airport shooting, intense gunfights erupted between gangs and police in various neighborhoods across the capital. Gangs set fire to homes in wealthier districts, while civilians fled the streets in fear. Schools and businesses across the city were forced to close as widespread panic set in. This latest incident marks the second time in less than a month that gangs have targeted aircraft in the region. In October, a United Nations helicopter was also struck by gunfire, forcing it to return to the airport. These repeated attacks highlight the growing power of gangs, which have seized control of large portions of Port-au-Prince and are becoming increasingly bold in their attacks on both civilians and foreign entities.
Political Instability Worsens
As the violence continues to spiral, Haiti’s political situation remains in turmoil. On the same day as the flight attack, Haiti’s transitional council appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as interim prime minister, replacing Garry Conille, who was dismissed following months of internal disputes. This leadership change comes at a time when armed gangs have seized control of large parts of Port-au-Prince, leaving the government’s authority nearly nonexistent.
Since March, gangs have expanded their control over the capital, leading to the near-collapse of the government. Mass prison breaks have freed violent criminals, and essential services such as healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement have been severely disrupted. The lack of effective governance has left the population vulnerable, particularly in wealthier neighborhoods, where residents are caught between the escalating gang violence and the absence of government intervention.
Impact on Haitians and Growing International Concerns
The escalating gang violence is having a devastating impact on residents in Port-au-Prince. Gangs now control key areas of the capital, making travel and daily life difficult and dangerous. Many roads are blocked, and entire neighborhoods are unsafe. Businesses are struggling to stay open, schools have closed, and access to basic services like healthcare, sanitation, and education is becoming increasingly scarce.
International concerns are also mounting, particularly following the recent shootings that targeted commercial and UN aircraft. With the airport closed and flights canceled, the ability to deliver humanitarian aid to Haiti has been severely hampered, raising alarm in the international community. The U.S. and other countries have issued travel advisories, urging their citizens to avoid traveling to Haiti due to the escalating violence.
As the situation in Haiti continues to worsen, many Haitians are hoping for an end to the gang rule that has brought the capital to its knees. However, with political instability still plaguing the country and gangs continuing to consolidate power, the prospects for peace and stability seem remote. The future of Haiti remains uncertain as both the country’s citizens and the international community watch anxiously, hoping for a resolution to the deepening crisis.
