After years of isolation and logistical hurdles, the South of Haiti prepares to welcome direct U.S. flights — a game-changer for diaspora travel and local development.
By The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team | June 15, 2025
A long-awaited milestone was achieved this Thursday, June 12, 2025, when an ERJ 145 jet, bearing registration number N241BC, touched down at Antoine Simon Airport in Les Cayes. It wasn’t just a test flight — it was a turning point. With a ceremonial “water salute,” IBC Airways marked the arrival of the very first international flight to ever land in the Southern city.
This symbolic touchdown sets the stage for what could become one of the most important infrastructural shifts in Southern Haiti’s modern history: direct, commercial air travel between Les Cayes and Miami, starting as early as July 2025.
From Inaccessible to International
As late as 2024, travelers to Les Cayes — particularly from the Haitian diaspora — faced a daunting journey. With land routes choked by insecurity and gang control, the only viable option was to land in Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien and book a connecting flight via Sunrise Airways. These early-morning flights were often the only hope for reaching the South safely, making the process expensive, exhausting, and risky.
Today, that’s changing.
Thanks to IBC Airways, the vision of a direct air bridge between the U.S. and Haiti’s South is now materializing. This is not just an aviation upgrade — it’s a lifeline being reconnected.
IBC’s Plan: 3 Flights per Week to Start
Speaking with Le Nouvelliste, IBC Airways representative Dimitri Fouchard confirmed that the recent trial flight was a success. The runway, measuring 6,100 feet, proved fully compatible with the airline’s ERJ 145 aircraft, which can carry up to 30 passengers.
“Everything went smoothly. We tested the strip, met with AAN and OFNAC technicians. Just a few minor infrastructure upgrades are needed for passenger screening — nothing that can’t be resolved in three weeks,” said Fouchard.
IBC plans to begin with three weekly flights between Les Cayes and Miami. If demand surges, the frequency will increase. The company is also exploring future routes to Fort Lauderdale and possibly adding cargo services for Southern exporters.
Kingston Stopover While Certification Finalizes
Because Antoine Simon Airport is not yet fully certified for direct U.S. entries, flights will temporarily include a brief stop in Kingston, Jamaica for customs processing. However, Fouchard indicated that this is a transitional measure as discussions around full international certification progress.
The airline is also working on cargo capabilities, aiming to help the region tap into export opportunities — but infrastructure upgrades, including customs and warehousing, will be required.
“A permanent customs presence and storage facility will open the door to a real cargo corridor for the South. This will have economic ripple effects far beyond the airport,” Fouchard added.
Tickets and Pricing Coming Soon
While the booking system is not yet live, IBC Airways anticipates launching reservations within 15 days. Ticket prices and travel schedules will be announced soon after.
“The public will have all the information very shortly. We are building flexibility into the schedule to increase flights if demand rises,” confirmed Fouchard.
What This Means for the Diaspora — and the South
For members of the Haitian diaspora — especially those hailing from Les Cayes and its surrounding regions — this development is historic. It removes the logistical and emotional strain of navigating an often-dangerous journey just to see family or invest in home communities.
It also restores dignity and access to a region that has too often been treated as an afterthought in national planning.
With direct flights, Les Cayes is not just a regional city anymore — it becomes a global gateway.
A Flight Toward the Future
In a country where good news can be hard to come by, the announcement of direct IBC Airways service between Miami and Les Cayes is a powerful signal of what’s still possible. For the South, it’s not just about convenience. It’s about reconnection. It's about hope.
And for every Haitian who has ever dreamed of flying straight to their hometown — without detours, delays, or danger — this is not just aviation progress.
It’s personal.
For the first time in history, Les Cayes is preparing to welcome direct flights from Miami, thanks to IBC Airways. After years of insecurity and complex travel routes, the South of Haiti is being reconnected with the diaspora. Starting as early as July 2025, travelers will no longer need connecting flights — a new chapter in accessibility and hope is taking off.
What does this mean for you and your family?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below — we want to hear from you.
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