American Airlines inaugurated its first flight to Cap-Haitien

The newly renovated International Airport in the historical city of Cap-Haitien

What many people have been waiting for years has finally happened in Haiti's countryside. The expansion of international flights to the North which allows passengers from Miami to go directly to the city of King Henri Christophe. On October 2, 2014, the giant North-American carrier American Airlines inaugurated its daily nonstop service to Cap-Haïtien, one of Haiti's best tourist destinations.

According to Minister of Tourism, Stephanie B. Villedrouin, "In terms of tourism, the North has long been the historical capital by excellence! With this new access to the outside world, the success of this destination is guaranteed." As a matter of fact 30 to 35 percent of American Airlines' Haiti-bound passengers traveling from JFK, Miami International and Fort-Lauderdale currently transit in Port-au-Prince before heading to Cap-Haitien.

"Considering the North region's potentiality in terms of attractions, such as the amazing Citadelle Laferriere the biggest fortress of the Americas, the ruins of Sans-Souci Palace, Royal Caribbean’s private beach in Labadee, Cormier Beach, Vertières, Bréda, the historical city of Cap-Haitien is a major location standpoint for the revival of tourism in the country", added Stephanie Villedrouin.

The Cathedral Notre-Dame of Cap-Haitien in front of La Place d'Armes

Excerpt from Haiti's Hidden Treasures Part II, documentary showcasing Haiti's incredible landscape and history.

Financed by the government of Venezuela and equipped with security materials provided by the US government, the newly renovated Cap-Haitien Airport now called the Hugo Chávez International Airport with a 7,500-foot runway is ready to welcome international flights to Cap-Haitien with an upcoming brand new terminal. In the past 10 years, this airport has accommodated some international flights from Miami, Orlando and the Caribbean. In October 2012, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and her husband, visited the area aboard a modified 757 large aircraft to attend the Caracol industrial park’s opening.

Pierre Chauvet, CEO of Citadelle Travel Agency in Port-au-Prince and former president of the Tourist Association of Haiti welcomed the arrival of American Airlines in Haiti’s second largest city, stating that will be a gate opener to Florida market and will definitely boost tourism in the North. Others said that it's a great deal for the city of Cap-Haitien and neighboring regions, the economy, and the diaspora. Still, Haitian travelers are complaining about the airline-ticket prices, which they would like to see dropping to facilitate the return of more visitors.

The Sans-Souci Palace built by King Henri Christophe in Milot outside Cap-Haitien

The Boeing 737-800 of American Airlines with a full capacity of 150 passengers will be arriving in Cap-Haitien daily before noon and leave the city at 2:00 pm to return to Miami at 4:00 in the afternoon, thus fulfilling the dream of the North population of Haiti and other visitors who would not have to transit in Port-au-Prince to visit the Northen region.

Last updated 10/03/2014