Haiti Plans Major Airport Upgrades in Cap-Haïtien

Government and IDB Discuss Modernization and a New International Hub

Cap-Haïtien, Haiti – A major initiative to modernize Cap-Haïtien’s airport infrastructure and construct a new international airport is gaining momentum following key discussions between Haitian officials and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The project, which aims to boost Haiti’s air connectivity and attract international tourism and investment, was a focal point of talks held on January 20 during the Afro-Caribbean Summit on Economic Development in Washington D.C. between Fritz Alphonse Jean, Presidential Transition Advisor, and Ilan Goldfajn, President of the IDB. In response, IDB Invest, the private-sector arm of the IDB Group, dispatched a strategic mission to Miami on January 22 to initiate discussions on the redevelopment of Cap-Haïtien’s current airport and lay the groundwork for a state-of-the-art international facility.

A Vision for Northern Haiti’s Air Transport Future

The expansion and modernization of Cap-Haïtien’s airport are seen as critical to Haiti’s economic growth, particularly in the northern region. This region has strong tourism potential and serves as a key gateway for the Haitian diaspora and international businesses.

Several influential figures participated in a strategic meeting chaired by Fritz Alphonse Jean, including:

Joe Celestin, President of NCEF
Miguel A. Southwell, aviation expert and former General Manager of Atlanta Airport
Harold Charles, airport manager and former owner of Sky-King Airline (Turks and Caicos)
Ricardo Bruno Zephir, telecommunications expert and President of U2C Mobile
Fred Beliard, President of Fatima Group
Rafael Guzman, President of Cibao Atlántico
Elizabeth Robberechts, Division Manager at IDB Invest

The discussions focused on two main objectives:

Upgrading the existing Cap-Haïtien airport to improve air transport and logistics capabilities makes it more efficient for commercial and cargo flights.
Developing a brand-new international airport that meets global standards to position northern Haiti as a prime destination for tourism and business travel.

A Collaborative Approach to Economic Growth

The proposed new international airport project is backed by a consortium of diaspora entrepreneurs and local investors, reflecting a strong commitment to public-private partnerships in revitalizing Haiti’s infrastructure. The new facility is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, and enhance international travel options, making Haiti more accessible to global markets.

The discussions in Miami marked a significant step forward. The outcomes will be submitted for review by stakeholders and the IDB before the project moves toward validation and phased implementation.

What’s Next?

The modernization of Cap-Haïtien’s airport and the development of a new international terminal have the potential to transform northern Haiti into a key economic hub. With IDB support and engagement from Haitian diaspora leaders, the government hopes to turn this vision into reality.

As the project progresses, The Haitian Tribune will continue to provide updates on developments, investment opportunities, and expected timelines for implementation.

Brandon Dejean,

Senior Reporter, The Haitian Tribune | Article Published on February 10, 2025 | Photo Credit: Unsplash.com