Haiti and Dominican Republic to Reopen Direct Air Links in May 2026 After Two-Year Closure

Haiti and the Dominican Republic announced on April 17, 2026, plans to reopen direct passenger and cargo air links in May 2026, following more than two years of disrupted air connectivity after the Dominican Republic shut its airspace to Haiti in March 2024 amid escalating gang violence. A joint statement cited the goal to 'energize economic ties and reinforce relations.' The announcement was a rare positive diplomatic signal between the two nations sharing the island of Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic has taken a dual-track approach toward Haiti: diplomatic and economic reengagement while simultaneously constructing a 174-kilometer concrete border wall along its 380-kilometer shared border to prevent gang spillover and irregular migration. The Dominican Republic is Haiti's largest trading partner, and the suspension of air links had further isolated Haiti from commerce, diaspora travel, and humanitarian logistics. The air link resumption will also facilitate travel for Haitians seeking medical care and family reunification.