Haiti’s main international airport, Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, has officially reopened to commercial flights, one month after being forced to close due to gang-related gunfire targeting planes.
Enhanced Security Measures Implemented
The Haitian government announced that heightened security measures are now in place around the airport, supported by local soldiers, police forces, and a United Nations-backed mission led by Kenyan police. A successful test flight earlier this week confirmed operational readiness. “The resumption of commercial flights marks a turning point for the Haitian economy,” stated the prime minister’s office in an official press release.
Quiet Reopening Day
Despite the reopening announcement, airport activity remained minimal on Wednesday. No flights had arrived or departed, and the usually busy terminal was eerily quiet, with few passengers in sight. Heavily armed police officers patrolled the airport’s perimeter, conducting vehicle inspections at nearby checkpoints. The airport’s parking lot, typically filled with hundreds of cars, held only a few dozen vehicles, mostly belonging to airport staff.
Airlines Still Hesitant
The airport closure in mid-November came after a violent incident where gang gunfire hit a Spirit Airlines flight preparing to land, injuring a flight attendant. Additional aircraft were also struck, prompting major airlines such as Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines to suspend services to Haiti.
Following the incident, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a 30-day ban on U.S. airlines flying to Haiti. While the FAA’s ban is set to expire this Thursday, uncertainty persists regarding how quickly airlines will resume flights.
Spirit Airlines confirmed to the Associated Press that its flights to both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest international airport, will remain suspended “until further notice.” Meanwhile, American Airlines is considering resuming flights to Port-au-Prince in late 2025, while JetBlue has yet to provide an update.
Challenges Ahead
The reopening of Toussaint Louverture International Airport is a crucial step toward restoring Haiti’s connection to the world. However, with ongoing security concerns and limited airline participation, the path to full operational recovery remains uncertain. Both travelers and the aviation industry will be closely monitoring developments in the coming weeks.
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