Passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight were left terrified after their plane was repeatedly shot at during its descent into Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Amid the ensuing chaos as bullets penetrated the cabin, one crew member was grazed by a bullet.
The airline has confirmed that the staff member had a narrow escape from death as the plane came under fire. Photos from inside the aircraft show bullet holes in the overhead compartments and around the doors, following the armed gangs’ attack on the plane as they attempt to seize control of the country’s main airport.
Despite being in the process of landing, Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was forced to abort its landing and divert to the Dominican Republic. After safely touching down in Santiago, the injured crew member received medical attention, while the plane was decommissioned due to the damage inflicted by the gunfire.
In the wake of the incident, all commercial flights departing from Port-au-Prince have been suspended, with major airlines including American Airlines and JetBlue halting all routes until Thursday as the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate.
The terrifying gang attack on a commercial Spirit Airlines flight, illustrates the alarming extent of their control over the Haitian capital— where gang territory now accounts for a staggering 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince.
Meanwhile, political disarray exacerbates Haiti’s plight as the ruling council ousted Prime Minister Garry Conille in yet another fight for power at the top of the gang-ridden Caribbean nation.
The US Embassy in Haiti has issued a security alert to citizens in the aftermath of the plane shooting, warning travellers of “gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.”
In response to the incident, Spirit Airlines disclosed: “Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Port-au-Prince (PAP) diverted and landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI). Following the flight’s arrival at STI, an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire.”
“The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haitien (CAP) pending further evaluation.”
