Multiple airlines, including JetBlue and Spirit, have temporarily halted flights to Haiti amidst escalating security concerns, following incidents where aircraft were struck by gunfire, leading to a flight attendant's injury and damage to planes. According to Click2Houston, a JetBlue flight from Port-au-Prince to New York's JFK Airport was found to have a bullet strike on its exterior after safely landing, with the airline suspending all flights to the region until December 2, reiterating the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew as their top priority.
Spirit Airlines experienced a similar threat when a flight attendant sustained minor injuries after their aircraft, en route from Florida to Haiti, was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince it then abruptly diverted to the Dominican Republic, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration and corroborated by a flight attendants union which confirmed the injuries to CBS News. The aircraft, showing signs of damage consistent with gunfire, was inspected in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where it had diverted, carrying 48 passengers at the time.
American Airlines has also been compelled to adjust their services, with the Texas-based carrier pausing its flights from Miami to Port-au-Prince until next Monday, in response to the alarming events. Customers have been advised to remain up-to-date with flight statuses via the airline's website or smartphone app as well, and to stay vigilant of any further changes in the flight schedules as the Toussaint Louverture International Airport closed its operations following the shooting.
The incidents have brought attention to ongoing security issues in Haiti, with the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issuing a security alert about gang-related disruptions to travel, including armed violence.