Spirit Airlines A321 hit by gunfire during landing attempt in Haiti | News

Haiti has closed its main international airport after a Spirit Airlines Airbus A321 was hit by gunfire while trying to land in Port-au-Prince.

The plane was diverted to the Dominican Republic after aborting a landing attempt at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, which the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said has been closed due to rising gang violence in the country’s capital.

Spirit confirms that the aircraft, operating as flight NK951 from Fort Lauderdale, landed safely in Santiago at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time.

“Following the flight’s arrival at Cibao International Airport, an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire,” the company said.

One flight attendant was treated for minor injuries, Spirit said.

The FAA says two other flights bound for Toussaint Louverture International were diverted “out of an abundance of caution.”

Images circulating on social media show clear bullet holes in the A321’s fuselage and baggage compartment. The plane has been taken out of service while Spirit arranges another plane to transport crew and passengers to Fort Lauderdale.

“The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority and we have suspended our service in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien pending further review,” Spirit said.

The US Embassy has issued a security alert for Port-au-Prince, warning of “gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, including possible armed violence, disruptions to roads, ports and airports” .

“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the embassy said. “Travel within Haiti is at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety when traveling to airports, at the border, or during onward travel. You should consider your personal safety situation before traveling to Haiti.”