Reuters reported on Tuesday evening that a third American plane has been shot at in Haiti.
American Airlines reported on Tuesday evening that one of its planes was hit by a bullet in Haiti. According to the company, the aircraft had landed in Miami on Monday after coming from Port-au-Prince. An inspection after the flight showed that the plane’s exterior had been struck by a bullet.
The FAA’s decision comes a day after a passenger plane from the American airline Spirit Airlines was shot at just before landing at the international airport in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The plane was redirected to neighboring Dominican Republic, where it landed safely.
One crew member sustained minor injuries after being grazed by a bullet, but none of the passengers were harmed.
HAD TO ABORT: The Spirit Airlines plane continued from Haiti to the Dominican Republic after being shot at. Graphics: Flightradar24
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Later, a JetBlue Airways plane was found with bullet holes when it landed in New York after coming from Port-au-Prince.
The airport in the Haitian capital was closed as a result of the incidents. The airport remained closed on Tuesday, and it is uncertain when it will reopen.
Haiti is one of the world’s poorest countries and is marked by chaos and anarchy due to bloody gang conflicts. Almost 4,000 people have been killed this year, and both security and the healthcare system in the country have largely collapsed.
Interview: Time.News Editor with Aviation Security Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Sarah Greene, an expert in aviation security. We’re currently witnessing a troubling spike in gunfire incidents targeting U.S. airline flights in Haiti. Just this week, a third American plane was shot at. What does this signify for air travel safety?
Dr. Sarah Greene (DSG): Thank you for having me. This is indeed a concerning situation. The recent reports of American Airlines and Spirit Airlines planes being shot at indicate a significant deterioration in security around Port-au-Prince’s international airport. Such incidents not only compromise passenger safety but also pose serious implications for the aviation industry as a whole.
TNE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has barred U.S. airlines from operating in Haiti following these incidents. How does this type of regulatory response impact both airlines and travelers?
DSG: When the FAA takes such stringent measures, it reflects a critical reassessment of safety protocols in a particular region. For airlines, this means re-evaluating their routes and potentially incurring significant financial losses. For travelers, it can lead to increased costs and longer travel times as alternative routes are sought, plus a general sense of uncertainty about safety.
TNE: Speaking specifically about the American Airlines incident where a bullet was found on a plane, how is the inspection process handled in such cases?
DSG: After any discharge of firearms near aircraft, airlines have protocols in place that involve thorough examinations of the aircraft. This includes looking for projectile impacts, structural integrity assessments, and ensuring all systems are undamaged. In this case, the bullet’s discovery after the flight raises questions about the safety measures in place at the operational level, both in flight and on the ground.
TNE: What measures can airlines and the FAA put in place to enhance safety in areas like Haiti where such violence is prevalent?
DSG: Enhanced cooperation with local security forces is crucial. Airlines might also consider deploying more armed security personnel on flights to and from high-risk areas, alongside stronger passenger screening measures at airports. Furthermore, intelligence-sharing between governments can provide airlines with timely updates on the security environment.
TNE: Looking ahead, how do you see the future of airline travel to regions with these types of security issues? Can travelers expect to see significant changes?
DSG: We may see a trend where airlines operate fewer flights to high-risk regions or implement premium security options for those that do. Additionally, more robust communication about potential risks and transparent updates from airlines will likely become standard practice. Ultimately, passenger safety must prevail over convenience or profitability.
TNE: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Greene. It’s vital for both the aviation industry and travelers to stay informed about these issues.
DSG: Thank you for discussing this important topic. Staying vigilant and informed is crucial in today’s increasingly complex security landscape.
