This agreement marks a turning point for southern Haiti, bringing hope of new economic opportunities and long-awaited connectivity to the region.
Economy & Infrastructure | The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team | July 23, 2025
For months, the future of Antoine Simon International Airport in Les Cayes seemed uncertain. A standoff between Haiti’s National Airport Authority (AAN) and the American airline IBC Airways had left residents of southern Haiti frustrated and businesses anxious about missed opportunities for trade and travel.
But as of July 22, 2025, there is finally good news. In a joint statement, AAN and IBC Airways announced they have reached an agreement to resolve their differences. IBC Airways will soon resume operations at Antoine Simon International Airport, beginning with cargo services and later expanding to passenger flights.
“This is a vital step forward for the south,” said one local business owner in Les Cayes. “We’ve waited too long for this airport to become fully operational. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about opening doors for economic growth.”
A Conflict Resolved
The dispute between the two parties reportedly stemmed from delays in infrastructure approvals and operational agreements. IBC Airways had expressed concerns over a lack of facilities for handling freight and passenger check-ins. Meanwhile, AAN maintained that logistical issues and procedural steps with other aviation agencies contributed to the delay.
Last week, however, a technical and strategic meeting brought both sides together. AAN’s Director General, Yves Ducarmel François, and IBC’s Haiti representative, Dimitri Fouchard, led discussions that cleared the path for collaboration.
In their communiqué, AAN and IBC confirmed that the airline will first focus on cargo services. To facilitate this, IBC will install two 40-foot freight containers and two 20-foot office units at the airport.
“The important thing is that we found common ground,” said a source close to the negotiations. “Both sides understood that southern Haiti couldn’t afford to wait any longer.”
Cargo Today, Passengers Tomorrow
A technical team is scheduled to visit Antoine Simon International Airport on July 23, 2025, to assess the site and plan the installation of IBC’s equipment. Meanwhile, AAN has committed to upgrading passenger facilities—immigration desks, customs counters, and lounges—starting July 28, with completion targeted within 60 days.
“Cargo services are the immediate priority,” explained an aviation analyst. “But once those are running smoothly, passenger flights will follow, creating a critical link between southern Haiti and international destinations like Miami.”
The airline had previously performed a successful test flight into Les Cayes in June 2025, using an ERJ 145 aircraft. Residents and local leaders viewed the flight as a milestone, but frustrations mounted as operational approvals stalled in the weeks that followed.
What It Means for Southern Haiti
The reopening of Antoine Simon International Airport is more than symbolic. It represents a lifeline for businesses, families, and organizations that have struggled with limited access to the rest of the world.
“This airport is essential for development in the south,” said a Les Cayes resident. “With so many challenges in the country, we need direct connections to create jobs, move goods, and bring hope.”
Haiti’s south has often felt neglected compared to the capital. A fully operational international airport could shift that narrative, empowering local economies and offering faster routes for humanitarian assistance when disasters strike.
Looking Ahead
While challenges remain—particularly ensuring consistent security and infrastructure maintenance—there is cautious optimism that the agreement between AAN and IBC will hold.
“This is a victory for dialogue,” remarked one civil society leader in Les Cayes. “Now we must see action. The people in the south deserve to see planes landing, goods moving, and opportunities growing.”
As the freight containers arrive and work begins on the terminal, southern Haiti watches and waits for its long-promised connection to the wider world to finally take flight.
At The Haitian Pulse, we remain committed to reporting the stories that matter most to Haiti’s future. Our editorial team will continue to monitor developments at Antoine Simon International Airport and bring you timely updates as progress unfolds.
We encourage you to leave a comment below and share your thoughts on this issue. Your voice matters in the conversation about Haiti’s future.antoine simon airport.
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