Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Cap Haïtien International Airport is a significant aviation facility situated in Cap-Haïtien, a city located in the Nord department of Haiti. As the country’s second-largest airport, it plays a crucial role in connecting Haiti to various international destinations, including Miami International Airport, Providenciales International Airport, and Cibao International Airport in the Caribbean region.

The airport’s history includes a notable renovation effort, with the Haitian government partnering with Venezuela to enhance its facilities. In 2010, a 1,300-meter concrete runway was constructed, and further improvements were made under the supervision of a Cuban-Venezuelan firm. By February 2013, the airport had undergone significant reconstruction, including the extension and repaving of its runway, which now measures 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) in length.

Interestingly, there was a plan to rename the airport as “Hugo Chávez International Airport” in honor of the late Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro. However, these plans did not come to fruition. In recent years, some airlines have adjusted their services to Cap-Haïtien, with Spirit Airlines resuming nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in December 2020 after a temporary hiatus. Despite changes in airline services, Cap Haïtien International Airport continues to play a vital role in connecting the region to the rest of the world and supporting both domestic and international travel to and from Haiti.

Toussaint Louverture International Airport is a bustling international airport located in Tabarre, a commune of Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti. Serving as the busiest airport in the country, it also functions as an operating hub for Sunrise Airways, a Haitian airline. Informally known as “the Maïs-Gâté airport,” it derives its name from the area in the Cul-de-Sac Plain where it was constructed.

The airport’s history is intertwined with its military and civilian roles during various periods. During the United States’ occupation of Haiti, the United States Marine Corps stationed Marine Observation units at what later became Bowen Field. In 1965, the current airport was opened as François Duvalier International Airport, named after the Haitian president at the time. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, becoming Port-au-Prince International Airport and eventually Toussaint Louverture International Airport in 2003, in honor of Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian Revolution.

In 2010, the airport suffered significant damage due to the devastating Haiti earthquake but underwent repairs and reopened. The airport continued to evolve, with plans to redesign and expand its facilities, including adding 14 gates to the terminal and constructing a new taxiway to increase traffic capacity. Toussaint Louverture International Airport plays a vital role in connecting Haiti to the world and facilitating both domestic and international travel, despite challenges and changes in its history.

Port-de-Paix Airport stands as a pivotal aviation facility in Haiti, ranking as the third busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger numbers. Nestled in the city of Port-de-Paix, situated on the picturesque north coast of Haiti, this airport plays a crucial role in connecting this region to the rest of the country and beyond.

One distinctive feature of Port-de-Paix Airport is its unique air traffic control setup. Unlike many airports equipped with radar and radio-controlled systems, this airport operates without them. Despite these technological limitations, the air traffic control center efficiently manages incoming and outgoing flights, ensuring the safety and coordination of aircraft movements within its airspace.

Notably, the airport’s runway is located within the city itself, making it a rather unusual setup. This proximity to the city center means that the runway experiences occasional pedestrian traffic, highlighting the close integration of the airport into the local community. Additionally, the Port de Paix non-directional beacon is strategically located near the runway, aiding pilots in navigation and enhancing the airport’s operational capabilities. Port-de-Paix Airport serves as a vital transportation link for the region, facilitating both domestic and international travel while adapting to its unique operational challenges.

Antoine Simon Airport is a significant aviation facility located approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Les Cayes, a charming coastal city situated in Haiti’s Southern Peninsula. As the fourth busiest airport in Haiti in terms of passenger traffic, Antoine Simon Airport serves as a critical transportation hub, facilitating both domestic and international travel for the region.

The airport derives its name from François C. Antoine Simon, who served as the 18th President of Haiti from 1908 to 1911. It holds a special place in the country’s history as it was financed and constructed by the Haitian government. The official inauguration took place on May 7, 2005, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Gérard Latortue. Interestingly, Taiwan played a significant role in the airport’s development by financing the construction of the access road, strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

A noteworthy development in the airport’s history occurred on February 1, 2013, when Haiti initiated an expansion project aimed at transforming Antoine Simon Airport into an international gateway. The Autorité Aéroportuaire Nationale envisioned a comprehensive upgrade that includes extending the runway to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) and adding a terminal equipped with customs and other essential services. This ambitious project aligns with broader efforts to boost infrastructure development in Haiti’s South department, with the government recognizing the potential of tourism to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. Antoine Simon Airport plays a pivotal role in realizing these developmental aspirations, opening up opportunities for travelers and contributing to the economic vitality of the Southern Peninsula.

Jérémie Airport holds a significant position as the fifth busiest airport in Haiti in terms of passenger traffic. Situated just 6.5 kilometers (4.0 miles) west of the charming city of Jérémie in the Grand’Anse department, this airport plays a vital role in connecting travelers to the Southern Peninsula of Haiti. Notably, the Jérémie non-directional beacon is a crucial navigational aid located on the airport grounds.

In 2020, Jérémie Airport underwent substantial renovations aimed at accommodating larger aircraft. These upgrades included the modernization of arrival and departure terminals, enhancing the overall traveler experience. Furthermore, discussions have emerged regarding the potential expansion of the airport’s runway to enable direct international flights to land in Jérémie. Such an expansion would offer travelers a convenient alternative to the bustling capital, Port-au-Prince.

This transformation could open up new possibilities for exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of the Southern Peninsula, known for its picturesque landscapes and pristine white sand beaches. However, the process involves regulatory steps, with Haitian authorities working diligently to secure the necessary registrations to facilitate international flights at Jérémie Airport, thereby enhancing connectivity to this scenic region of Haiti.

Jacmel Airport holds a unique place in Haiti’s aviation landscape. Located near the picturesque coastal city of Jacmel on the country’s south coast, this airport was the sixth busiest in Haiti in terms of passenger volume before the devastating 2010 Haitian earthquake struck. It primarily facilitated travel between the capital, Port-au-Prince, and various destinations across Haiti, playing a crucial role in connecting travelers to this culturally rich region.

The airport saw its initial regular airline service commence on January 29, 2005, marked by a flight from Tortug’ Air. However, the airport’s true significance emerged in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. Following the disaster, Jacmel Airport became a vital hub for relief efforts, particularly supported by Canadian Forces and other international partners. The runway, although initially facing challenges due to trees at its approach, saw improvements and even gained nighttime landing capabilities through runway lighting.

As part of broader humanitarian efforts, plans were made to shift some military and civilian flights from Port-au-Prince to Jacmel to alleviate congestion. This change aimed to help restore normalcy to air travel following the earthquake. Subsequent tree and terrain clearings allowed for the acceptance of heavy-lift aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster, facilitating disaster recovery operations. However, after the Canadian Forces’ withdrawal and the loss of essential equipment, Jacmel Airport could no longer handle international flights, affecting its certification.

Despite these challenges, Jacmel Airport has remained resilient. In September 2010, a new terminal building was inaugurated, accompanied by runway resurfacing. As of April 2022, Sunrise Airways has reintroduced scheduled flights between Jacmel and Port-au-Prince, showcasing the airport’s enduring importance in connecting travelers to this vibrant part of Haiti.