Haiti and Dominican Republic to Resume Direct Flights in May After Over Two Years of Suspension

(CNA, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 17th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Haiti and the Dominican Republic announced today that the two countries will resume direct flights in May. Santo Domingo had closed its airspace to Haiti more than two years ago due to the escalating gang violence in Haiti.

According to a Reuters report, a joint statement issued by Haiti and the Dominican Republic pointed out: "This measure aims to promote the movement of people, enhance economic ties, and strengthen relations between the two sides."

According to AFP, Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas and has been deeply trapped in a security crisis for years because local gangs control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and frequently commit crimes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping.

In March 2024, citing the continuous turmoil in Haiti, the Dominican Republic closed its airspace to all passenger and cargo flights from Haiti.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic share a 380-kilometer border. Due to long-term tense relations between the two countries, Dominican authorities are constructing a 174-kilometer concrete wall along the border.