JetBlue Airways mentioned a New York-bound flight from Haiti was struck by gunfire on the identical day a Spirit Airways aircraft was shot, forcing the corporate to quickly halt all flights to the violence-plagued Caribbean nation.
JetBlue Flight 935 arrived at JFK Worldwide Airport on Monday following the incident with Spirit Airways, with flight inspectors discovering a bullet gap within the aircraft’s exterior.
“We are actively investigating this incident in collaboration with relevant authorities,” JetBlue mentioned in a press release, noting that the aircraft had skilled no points through the flight.
The airline has now canceled all flights to and from Haiti via Dec. 2, citing the continuing gang violence that has begun to have an effect on air visitors in Port-au-Prince.
JetBlue’s determination comes because the Federal Aviation Administration canceled flights out and in of the Toussaint Louverture Worldwide Airport on Monday.
The airport made headlines on Monday when a Spirit Airways aircraft was assaulted with gunfire and struck a number of occasions because it was making an attempt to land.
A flight attendant was grazed by a bullet through the incident, forcing the aircraft to divert to an airport within the Dominican Republic.
A number of bullet holes may very well be seen within the overhead bins and a aircraft door within the aftermath, in line with footage obtained by native outlet Media Libre Haiti.
“The plane has been taken out of service, and we are arranging for a different aircraft to return our Guests and crew to [Fort Lauderdale] today,” an airline spokesperson advised The Submit.
“The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haitien (CAP) pending further evaluation.”
The US Embassy in Haiti issued a safety alert saying it was “conscious of gang-led efforts to dam journey to and from Port-au-Prince which can embrace armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.
“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the embassy added. “The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel.”
Monday’s incidents unfolded simply two weeks after the airways quickly suspended flights to Haiti’s capital after gang members opened hearth and struck a United Nations’ helicopter flying close by.
With Submit wires
