Haiti's main international airport, Toussaint-Louverture in Port-au-Prince, has reopened after being closed for nearly three months due to escalating gang violence. The reopening of the airport is a significant development that is expected to alleviate the critical shortage of medications and essential supplies in the country, as the main seaport remains paralyzed and gangs control 80% of the capital.
U.S.-based airlines are anticipated to resume operations at the airport by late May or early June. The first commercial passenger flight departed for Miami, albeit delayed, with passengers enduring discomfort due to the lack of air conditioning until takeoff. The flight was organized by local carrier Sunrise Airways, which contracted Florida-based charter airline World Atlantic to operate the flight.
Prior to the reopening of the Toussaint-Louverture airport, the only operational airport in Haiti was located in Cap-Haitien, making it inaccessible to many residents seeking to leave the country due to gang-controlled roads leading from Port-au-Prince. The U.S. government and nonprofit organizations had conducted helicopter evacuations of hundreds of citizens from besieged areas of the capital.
Gang violence in Haiti intensified in late February, with attacks on police stations, the airport, and prisons resulting in the release of over 4,000 inmates. The violence subsequently targeted previously peaceful communities, displacing thousands and leading to a significant increase in casualties compared to the same period last year, with over 2,500 people killed or injured from January to March.
Despite the reopening of the airport providing employment opportunities for some, such as workers at local establishments, including the Couronne Bar, many remain fearful of potential attacks. The transitional presidential council in Haiti is currently working on selecting a new prime minister and organizing general elections, while preparations are underway for the deployment of foreign forces, including police officers from Kenya and other countries, to help address the ongoing gang violence in the country.
