Overview:
IBC Airways’ plans to launch Miami-Les Cayes flights in July are on maintain after Haiti’s Nationwide Airport Authority (AAN) withheld authorization, leaving over $100,000 in tools idle. The standoff deprives southern Haiti residents of worldwide flight choices and exposes the fragility of the nation’s air journey system.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Plans for IBC Airways to launch Miami-Les Cayes flights this mid-July have hit a wall after Haiti’s Nationwide Airport Authority (AAN) did not signal vital paperwork, the airline instructed The Haitian Instances.
The delays, tied to suspected aggressive roadblocks and stalled infrastructure approvals, come regardless of IBC’s $100,000 funding in flight tools, workplace supplies and workers uniforms for the brand new route, a supply acquainted with the state of affairs mentioned.
“Haitians! Betrayal, contempt, ignorance,” a consultant for IBC Airways wrote in a WhatsApp message, expressing frustration over AAN’s silence.
IBC mentioned it has despatched six letters to AAN requesting permission however has obtained no response. AAN is the company liable for overseeing air journey in Haiti and is essential for approving airline infrastructure operations.
At present, Dawn Airways is the one service flying between Haiti and the U.S., in addition to between the North and South areas, working completely out of Cap-Haïtien. IBC’s proposed Les Cayes-Miami flights would provide southern Haiti residents a extra direct choice for worldwide journey, sparing them lengthy journeys north.
The stalled authorization additionally signifies that Haitians overseas, keen to go to their households within the Nice South, stay restricted of their choices.
Air journey in Haiti has lengthy been troubled by controversy and currently by insecurity. In November 2024, gang members fired on a Spirit Airlines aircraft, forcing a nationwide ban on U.S.-Haiti flights. Whereas restrictions had been later eased for provincial airports, Port-au-Prince stays off-limits on account of ongoing violence.
“Haitians! Betrayal, contempt, ignorance.”
IBC Airways consultant
The federal government confirmed enthusiasm for air journey final month, offering an $11 million insurance coverage fund to Dawn Airways so it may resume native flights. Even with restricted service, Dawn Airways has confronted criticism for top ticket costs.
In March 2025, CPT appearing President Fritz Jean introduced Spirit and JetBlue Airways had been making ready to renew flights to Cap-Haïtien. However neither airline has confirmed its return. Aruba Airways briefly supplied Miami-Haiti flights earlier this 12 months earlier than abruptly pulling out in March.
Haitians determined for options noticed hope in IBC’s plans, which gained momentum after a profitable check flight between Les Cayes and Miami on June 13.
Delays tied to competitors and obscure aviation infrastructure, supply says
Whereas the precise purpose for IBC’s stalled operations stays unclear, a supply acquainted with the Fort Lauderdale-based firm’s dealings and its negotiations with AAN instructed The Haitian Instances that the delays seem to stem from aggressive tensions. The supply alleged that AAN could also be creating bureaucratic obstacles to hinder IBC’s entry into the market.
The supply, who requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the negotiations, recognized three key elements presently delaying IBC’s operational launch in southern Haiti:
- A NOTAM publication: Haiti’s civil aviation authority, the Nationwide Civil Aviation Workplace (OFNAC), has but to publish a needed and up to date Discover to Air Missions (NOTAM) confirming Antoine Simon Airport’s readiness for worldwide flights. To challenge the NOTAM, OFNAC requires readiness data from AAN, however the airport authority company has not supplied it. With out this step, IBC can’t formally schedule departures to Les Cayes airport.
- No check-in counter area: The airport’s three counters are totally occupied by Dawn Airways. IBC proposed organising cell counters as a short lived resolution however has obtained no response from AAN on its proposal.
- Taxiway growth delays: Following the June 13 check flight, IBC notified authorities that the airport’s taxiway wanted to be widened to accommodate worldwide site visitors. AAN agreed to the advice however has not begun the work, the supply mentioned.
The supply famous that IBC is well-versed in Haiti’s aviation system, having been the primary firm to function direct flights between Cap-Haïtien and the USA. The corporate has returned with what the supply described as a stronger marketing strategy, formed by classes from its 2014 exit, when it was edged out of the Cap-Haïtien market by American Airways.
Though IBC had aimed to launch operations in mid-July, that timeline now seems unlikely. With out cooperation from AAN, its investments in tools, workplace area and staffing stay on maintain.
The Haitian Instances reached out to AAN through WhatsApp for remark however had not obtained a response by the point of publication.