Haiti and Sunrise Airways Reach Agreement to Resume Domestic Flights

Haiti and Sunrise Airways Reach Agreement to Resume Domestic Flights

Sunrise Airways and the Haitian government have finalized an agreement to resume scheduled domestic flights to and from Port-au-Prince beginning June 12, 2025. The airline had suspended operations for several months due to escalating gang violence in the capital, which severely impacted safety and operational stability. Under the new accord, Sunrise Airways will restart services to key destinations including Cap Haitien, Les Cayes, and Jérémie.

Enhanced Insurance Measures and Government Support

A critical element of the agreement centers on enhanced insurance provisions. Sunrise Airways requested additional insurance coverage to address potential human casualties and material damages arising from incidents or crashes, whether directly or indirectly related to Haiti’s ongoing security challenges. In response, the Haitian government has committed to providing an $11 million supplementary financial guarantee. This guarantee will serve as a contingent complement to the airline’s existing insurance policies, activating only if necessary to compensate victims, their beneficiaries, and cover material losses.

Operational Challenges Amid Political Instability

The resumption of flights occurs against a backdrop of persistent political instability in Haiti, which continues to present significant operational and safety challenges for airlines. Sunrise Airways faces the complex task of navigating these risks while working to restore confidence among passengers and staff. Despite these difficulties, the return of domestic air services is anticipated to stimulate demand from travelers seeking affordable and reliable transportation within the country, potentially revitalizing Haiti’s domestic aviation market.

Market Implications and Regional Expansion

Sunrise Airways’ return is likely to influence market dynamics, prompting competing carriers to reassess their routes and pricing strategies to protect their domestic market share. Concurrently, Sunrise Airways is pursuing expansion into new routes across the eastern Caribbean. This growth strategy, however, confronts challenges including the need to secure regulatory approvals and compete with well-established regional airlines.

Currently, Sunrise Airways operates a fleet comprising one BAe Jetstream 32 and four Embraer 120 aircraft. The airline also oversees two subsidiaries: Sunrise Dominicana, based in Santo Domingo, and Sunrise Airways Dominica, a start-up scheduled to commence operations in July. As Sunrise Airways resumes and expands its services, its capacity to adapt to Haiti’s volatile environment and the competitive regional landscape will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and travelers alike.