- Antoine Simon Airport completes $12M runway extension after 11-year renovation
- First operational international hub bypassing gang-controlled capital regions
- Mercy Corps and Locally Haiti plan southern operational bases for aid distribution
- FAA maintains flight ban to Port-au-Prince through March 2024
Haiti's southwestern coast marked a historic infrastructure milestone this week as the renovated Antoine Simon Airport officially welcomed its first international flight capabilities. The $12 million upgrade positions Les Cayes as Haiti's third global transit hub, offering humanitarian organizations and commercial carriers a critical alternative to Port-au-Prince's gang-dominated airspace. With four-fifths of the capital under armed group control, this development reshapes crisis response logistics across the Caribbean nation.
Aviation analysts note the 2,800-meter runway accommodates mid-sized jets like Airbus A320s, crucial for regional carriers. JetBlue technicians conducted preliminary assessments last month, though no U.S. carriers have confirmed schedules yet. The infrastructure upgrade comes as 93% of Haiti's pre-crisis commercial flight capacity remains grounded due to November's airport attacks, which injured crew members and damaged aircraft.
Colorado-based Locally Haiti anticipates reducing overland supply risks by 40% through direct southern deliveries. Executive Director Wynn Walent explained: Our nutrition programs previously required 14-hour truck convoys from Cap-Haitien. Now we can airlift supplies directly to communities facing acute malnutrition rates exceeding 18%.The organization plans to coordinate with Mercy Corps on establishing a joint logistics center near the new terminal by Q3 2024.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Action Against Hunger closed operations in three southern departments following recent USAID budget cuts, eliminating care for 13,000 beneficiaries. Country Director Martine Villeneuve noted: While Les Cayes offers new possibilities, 72% of our current emergency funding targets Port-au-Prince's urban crisis zones.The World Food Programme reports gang blockades continue restricting 68% of land-based aid shipments nationwide.
Tourism officials project the airport could revive Haiti's southern heritage trails, including the 19th-century Fort des Oliviers citadel. Pre-pandemic cruise data showed 89,000 annual visitors to nearby Île-à-Vache island, numbers that collapsed after 2019 political unrest. Hotel investments have increased 22% year-over-year in Les Cayes since runway expansion plans became public.