|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Multiple airlines suspended flights to Haiti Tuesday after gunfire struck a Spirit Airlines flight attempting to land in Port-au-Prince.
Spirit Airlines Flight 951, en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, had been preparing to touch down at Toussaint Louverture International Airport when the gunfire incident occurred, forcing it to divert to Santiago Airport in the Dominican Republic. Thankfully, all passengers were unharmed, though a flight attendant sustained minor injuries. The attack marked the second such incident targeting planes near Haiti’s capital in recent weeks.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of political turbulence and escalating violence. Just a day prior, Haiti had welcomed a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who vowed to tackle the nation’s deep-rooted issues with armed gangs. A businessman and Boston University alumnus, Fils-Aimé was installed by Haiti’s ruling council following the ouster of former leader Garry Conille, whose tenure lasted under six months. Fils-Aimé pledged to prioritize security and stability, stating he would channel all his skills and patriotism toward rebuilding the nation.
Haiti has long grappled with violence driven by powerful gangs that now control vast sections of the country, including parts of Port-au-Prince. The recent incident follows an attack in October when gang members reportedly fired on a UN helicopter, prompting temporary flight cancellations by some airlines. In response, a UN-supported police mission, primarily staffed by Kenyan officers, was launched in June to curb the escalating gang influence. However, with yet another aircraft hit by gunfire, confidence in the mission’s efficacy remains precarious.
Spirit Airlines, headquartered in Florida and known for its budget-friendly fares across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America, announced a suspension of flights to Haiti, stating that the aircraft showed damage “consistent with gunfire” after inspection in Santiago. The airline noted that the plane was subsequently removed from service for repairs. American Airlines and JetBlue also halted flights to Haiti until further assessment, leaving the Caribbean nation increasingly isolated from international air travel.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.