The planned reopening of air travel between Haiti and the Dominican Republic has been postponed, with Dominican authorities citing the need to finalize a comprehensive security protocol before commercial flights can resume.
The Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (Junta de Aviación Civil, JAC) announced in a statement dated May 1, 2026, that the resumption of air operations—initially scheduled for that same date—will not proceed as planned. Officials said the reopening will still take place sometime in May 2026, but no specific date has been confirmed.
The move delays an agreement reached on April 17 between delegations from Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dominican Republic’s foreign ministry. That understanding had outlined the gradual reopening of airspace and the restoration of flights between Cap-Haïtien International Airport and Dominican airports beginning May 1.
According to officials, the delay stems from the need to complete a joint security framework governing passenger and cargo flights. The protocol is expected to include coordinated measures covering health screening, immigration procedures, and aviation security standards.
Authorities from both countries said the framework is still under development and is intended to ensure that any resumption of service takes place under “optimal conditions,” reflecting concerns about safety and operational coordination.
Despite the setback, both governments reiterated their commitment to restoring air connectivity. Haitian officials said they remain engaged with Dominican counterparts and are working toward a “rapid, gradual, and safe” reopening of routes, particularly those linked to Cap-Haïtien.
The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it will continue to provide updates as discussions progress, while both sides maintain open communication channels as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation.
