LES CAYES, Haiti – In a move to decentralize air travel and enhance connectivity, Haiti has officially inaugurated its third international airport in Les Cayes, offering a vital alternative to the embattled capital, Port-au-Prince.
The newly upgraded Antoine Simon Airport now stands alongside Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien International Airport, expanding Haiti’s international and domestic aviation network. This development is expected to ease travel disruptions caused by ongoing security challenges in the capital, where gang violence has repeatedly paralyzed operations at the main airport.
The official launch was led by Leslie Voltaire, head of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), who emphasized the project’s importance in boosting economic activity and fostering stability in the southern region. The modernization effort included a runway extension, upgraded terminal facilities, and the establishment of customs and immigration services, ensuring the airport meets international aviation standards.
With road travel increasingly dangerous due to gang-controlled checkpoints and frequent disruptions, the new airport provides a safer, more reliable route for domestic and international flights. Officials hope the Les Cayes airport will revive tourism, facilitate trade, and offer an alternative gateway for humanitarian aid in times of crisis.
This expansion of Haiti’s aviation sector is a strategic response to the November 2023 closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport, when armed groups stormed the facility, forcing airlines to divert flights and suspend operations. By establishing a secure hub in the southwest, Haiti is taking steps to stabilize air travel and strengthen its global connectivity, despite the country’s ongoing challenges.
