Spirit plane hit by gunfire, gangs warn violence in Haiti’s capital amid new PM’s swearing-in

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Tensions surged Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, around Port-au-Prince and nearby following the appointment of Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as Haïti’s new Prime Minister, replacing Garry Conille. Several schools closed, forcing parents to keep their children at home. The day before, a voice message from a gang leader in the capital had threatened people to stay home.

A Spirit Airlines plane, which was supposed to land at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic. The plane departing from Fort Lauderdale was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince, injuring at least one flight attendant. The company canceled flights from Nov. 11 due to tensions in Port-au-Prince, with flights set to resume on Nov. 21.

In response, officials at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport have temporarily paused its operations. Other airlines including Sunrise Airlines, Jet Blue and American Airlines have also suspended flights to Haïti. 

The incident coincides with Haiti’s appointment of a new Prime Minister, Fils-Aimé, who has pledged to prioritize election organization and nationwide security. In his speech, he urged all sectors to join in addressing the country’s challenges.

Schools and embassies closed their doors

Embassies, including those of Canada and France, closed on Monday, although no official reason was given for the closures. Schools shut down as well, following the gang leader’s threat. The streets of the capital remained eerily quiet, with few vehicles on the road. Those who ventured out moved cautiously, wary of potential violence. Some local businesses also closed.

In Solino, the Bel-Air gang terrorized residents once again, and gunshots were reported in Tabarre. No details have emerged on why gangs brandished their weapons that day, but the unease in the capital shows no signs of abating.

This is not the first time gangs have targeted aircraft in Haiti 

In October, a World Food Programme (WFP) helicopter was struck by gunfire from gangs in Grand Ravine, forcing an emergency landing. No injuries were reported. The latest Spirit Airlines attack emphasizes the gangs’ impact on critical infrastructure. Despite the limited interventions of the Haitian National Police, they continue to spread terror.

In March, the Airport shut down temporarily due to a gang assault. The Haitian Armed Forces and the National police intervened preventing the gangs from overtaking the airport. Flights were canceled as stray bullets damaged aircraft. When flights resumed in May airlines demanded the demolition of more than 200 houses, some used by gangs as hideouts.

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