International Airport in Les Cayes Set to Take Off: A Gateway to Economic Growth in Southern Haiti

The long-anticipated international airport project in Les Cayes, in Haiti’s southern peninsula, is moving forward with renewed momentum. Spearheaded by public-private collaboration, the initiative aims to spark a new era of economic development and accessibility for the region.

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, a successful test flight by the U.S.-based airline IBC marked a significant milestone for the project. Businessman Astrel Joseph confirmed that one of the company’s executives expressed satisfaction following the trial run. Though technical discussions with Haiti’s Civil Aviation Authority (OFNAC) are ongoing, the flight signals growing confidence in the airport’s future.

“We must accelerate this process,” urged Joseph, calling on government authorities to match the private sector’s enthusiasm.

Technicians from Haiti’s National Airport Authority (AAN) have been working for the past two weeks to install international-standard infrastructure, ensuring the airport can accommodate both passenger and cargo services.

Two Airlines Ready to Serve the South

IBC is positioning itself to offer direct flights between Miami and Les Cayes, with plans to transport passengers and freight. The company used a 50-seat aircraft for the test flight but plans to limit initial flights to 30 passengers to allow for cargo space.

Meanwhile, Haitian carrier Sunrise Airways is also preparing to launch routes to Florida and is exploring new international destinations, including Kingston, Jamaica. With a flight time of only 27 minutes between Les Cayes and Kingston—an airport connected to 120 global destinations—travelers from southern Haiti would gain faster access to the wider world.

Joseph views this connectivity as essential not just for mobility, but for the long-awaited economic revitalization of the South. He emphasized that the project, originally proposed by the Haitian government in 2012, is finally gaining the traction it needs.

Public-Private Partnership Fuels Progress

A strong partnership between government agencies and private stakeholders backs the airport’s development. Current priorities include runway upgrades and the installation of modern aviation facilities. French firm Atelia and Haitian firm Génie Conseil are conducting technical studies to guide the construction process.

The target: initiate regular commercial flights to Florida by July 2025.

“This is more than an airport,” Joseph noted. “It’s a lifeline for the Grand Sud.”

A Game-Changer for the Haitian Diaspora

For Haitians in Florida, particularly those from Les Cayes, this airport promises to significantly reduce travel time to their hometowns. A direct flight from Florida to Les Cayes will take approximately 90 minutes, eliminating the need for detours through Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien.

The airport expansion is scheduled to begin in earnest by February 2026, according to Presidential Advisor Louis Gérald Gilles. Ultimately, the goal is to build an international-grade facility capable of welcoming large aircraft from around the world.

Joseph acknowledged that such a transformative project requires significant capital. He called on the government and international investors to establish financing mechanisms that will ensure the project’s full realization.

“We need to modernize the South. And this airport is the key to unlocking that future.”