Several flights to Haiti were suspended after a passenger plane from USA, was hit by bullets when landing at the airport Port-au-Prince.
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He flight 951 of Spirit Airlines coming from Fort Lauderdale, a Floridahad to be diverted to Dominican Republicwhere he was able to land without problem; However, a woman part of the tribulation was injured, this according to a statement that the same airline issued, where it also reported that not one passenger was affected.
[TRAVEL ADVISORY]: Due to Civil Unrest in Haiti, a travel advisory has been issued, see more here:
Your travel plans may be affected. Please check your current flight status here: pic.twitter.com/cfEHF5kYFA
— Spirit Airlines (@SpiritAirlines) November 12, 2024
It is the case of flight 951the second time this week that a commercial flight has been shot at in the Haiti, related to the political conflict it is going through, since armed gangs are controlling most of the country.
This happened last Monday, November 11, 2024, when the flight from the United States was scheduled to land in the Toussaint Louverture International Airportwith an estimated time a little before noon in your local time; However, he was hit by gunfire.
Videos of the same crew members and users have gone viral through social networks, since the damage that the plane received can be corroborated, which is compatible with the shots, initially in the area that the crew occupies during takeoff and landing. of the plane.
Therefore, the aircraft was out of circulation, according to what was communicated by the airline.
🚨 | #ULTIMAHORA: A passenger plane is shot at as it landed in Haiti and several airlines suspend flights to the country.#URGENT pic.twitter.com/3EZqxcsPDW
— News Now (@NoticiaNowHoy) November 11, 2024
Airlines like American Airlines y JetBluealso from USA, have suspended their flights to that country at least until Thursday, as the country’s security has deteriorated, which also led to the attack by armed groups on a helicopter of the HIM.
A police mission supported by the HIM, led by Kenyan officials, in an attempt to regain control of the country.
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Related
What are the main safety concerns for airlines operating in politically unstable regions like Haiti?
Interview: The Impact of Civil Unrest on Air Travel in Haiti
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today at Time.news. With us is Dr. Amelia Torres, an expert on international aviation safety and political conflict. Dr. Torres, we have just seen troubling news regarding Spirit Airlines flight 951, which was struck by bullets upon landing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Can you shed some light on this alarming incident?
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. Yes, the shooting incident involving Spirit Airlines flight 951 is indeed concerning. It highlights the dangerous situation in Haiti, where armed gangs are effectively controlling many areas, posing significant risks not only to citizens but also to international travelers.
Editor: This isn’t the first time such incidents have occurred. In fact, this was the second case this week of a commercial flight being shot at in Haiti. What do you think is driving this spike in violence, particularly around the airport?
Dr. Torres: The surge in violence can be attributed to the ongoing political instability and power struggles among various armed groups. As these gangs vie for control, civilian spaces—including airports—become sites of conflict. It’s deeply troubling that the safety of airlines and their passengers is being compromised in this way.
Editor: The airline industry often reacts swiftly to incidents like these. Spirit Airlines managed to divert its flight to the Dominican Republic, and fortunately, there were no significant injuries reported among passengers. How should airlines prepare for such scenarios in politically unstable regions?
Dr. Torres: Airlines should implement robust risk assessment protocols that take local conditions into account. This includes regular communication with government advisory bodies and the capability to divert flights in case of emergencies. Additionally, they should bolster their security measures and, when necessary, have contingency plans to protect passengers and crew during civil unrest.
Editor: You mentioned government advisory bodies. How important are travel advisories in maintaining passenger safety, especially in places like Haiti?
Dr. Torres: Travel advisories are crucial. They serve as a warning to travelers about potential dangers in their destination. Airlines and governments must work together to ensure these advisories are updated promptly and are communicated effectively. For instance, Spirit Airlines issued a travel advisory after the incident, which is a good step, but passengers need to be vigilant and informed about the risks of traveling to high-conflict areas.
Editor: Given the current situation in Haiti, do you foresee a long-term impact on tourism and air travel to the region?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. Unless there is a significant improvement in the political climate and security conditions, air travel—and tourism in general—will likely continue to suffer. Frequent incidents and the perception of danger will deter travelers, which can have wide-ranging economic impacts on the region.
Editor: As experts and policymakers look to address these growing concerns, what solutions do you believe could effectively stabilize the situation in Haiti?
Dr. Torres: A multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes strengthening law enforcement, boosting international cooperation to tackle gang activity, and fostering political dialogue to address the underlying grievances. Immediately improving the conditions on the ground is essential for restoring safety—not only for the locals but also for international travelers.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the situation requires urgent attention to ensure the safety of all involved.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for highlighting this critical topic. It’s important that we keep the conversation going about safety in travel and the broader implications of political unrest.
Editor: We will continue to monitor the situation. Thank you for joining us today.