American Airlines halts flights to Haiti after discovering bullet damage

American Airlines has suspended its nonstop service between Miami and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, following the discovery of bullet damage on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 during a post-flight inspection. The suspension will last until mid-February.

The decision comes in the wake of incidents involving other airlines. A Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo diverted to Santiago, Dominican Republic, after gunfire was reported during its approach to Port-au-Prince. Similarly, JetBlue Airways confirmed that one of its A320s was also struck by a bullet.

In a statement obtained by CBS News Senior Transportation & National Correspondent Kris Van Cleave, American Airlines stated: “On Monday, Nov. 11, American Airlines flight 189 from Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) to Miami International Airport (MIA) landed safely and uneventfully in Miami. Out of an abundance of caution, a post-flight inspection was completed, indicating the exterior of the aircraft had been impacted by a bullet. We are working closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.”