Bullet Strike Suspends JetBlue Flights to Haiti

Bullet Strike Suspends JetBlue Flights to Haiti

JetBlue Airways has extended its flight suspension to and from Haiti through December 2nd, following the discovery of bullet damage to an aircraft returning from Port-au-Prince. The decision comes after an incident on Monday where a Spirit Airlines flight destined for the Haitian capital was struck by gunfire, forcing it to divert to the Dominican Republic.

Spirit Airlines Flight Diverted, Flight Attendant Injured

Spirit Airlines reported that its flight to Port-au-Prince was damaged and taken out of service after landing in Santiago, Dominican Republic. A flight attendant sustained injuries during the incident, but no passengers were reported harmed.

All Flights Halted at Toussaint Louverture International Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. embassy confirmed that all flights operating in and out of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince have been halted. The FAA also reported that two additional flights scheduled for the airport were diverted as a precautionary measure.

Spirit Suspends Flights Pending Evaluation

Spirit Airlines has suspended flights to both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien in northern Haiti. The company stated that the decision was made pending further evaluation of the situation.

JetBlue Extends Cancellations Amid Ongoing Unrest

JetBlue cited the ongoing civil unrest in Haiti as the primary reason for extending its flight cancellations through early December. The company emphasized that it is “actively investigating this incident in collaboration with relevant authorities.”

Passengers to be Returned to Fort Lauderdale

Passengers aboard the Spirit flight that was struck by gunfire will be transported back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the departure point of the flight, on a separate aircraft.

Armed Gangs Deteriorate Security Situation

The incidents involving aircraft being shot at in Port-au-Prince underscore the deteriorating security situation in Haiti’s capital. In recent weeks, armed gangs have targeted aircraft, including a United Nations helicopter that was struck by gunfire last month. The ongoing violence and instability have prompted airlines to приостановить operations in Haiti, leaving travelers stranded and further isolating the country from the rest of the world.