SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – The Dominican Republic and Haiti have reached an agreement to reopen their airspace, allowing flights between the two nations starting in May 2024, marking the first time in over two years that such connections will be possible.

This significant decision was announced on Friday in a joint statement, which paves the way for flights between three airports in the Dominican Republic and one airport serving Cap-Haïtien, a northern port city in Haiti. The Dominican Republic had closed its airspace to Haiti in March 2024 due to escalating insecurity in Haiti, particularly following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. During this closure, only humanitarian flights were permitted between the two countries.

The closure was tied to heightened tensions that arose from the construction of an irrigation canal by Haitian businessmen, utilizing water from the Massacre River, which flows between the two nations. The Dominican Republic opposed this project, raising concerns about potential negative environmental impacts and the harm it could cause to agricultural producers on both sides of the border.

The decision to reopen airspace follows a series of bilateral discussions that focused on critical issues such as border control and surveillance, migration, and trade relations. The joint statement noted, “This measure seeks to facilitate mobility, boost economic ties, and strengthen relations between both countries.”

Additionally, the statement expressed gratitude towards the international community, particularly recognizing the role of the United Nations in supporting Haitian authorities as they work to stabilize the country amid ongoing challenges.

As travel between the two countries resumes, it is anticipated that the decision will enhance economic interactions and foster better diplomatic relations, contributing positively to both nations after a prolonged period of tensions and restricted communication.