SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The Dominican Republic and Haiti have officially agreed to reopen their airspace starting in May 2024, facilitating flights between the two nations for the first time in over two years. This significant decision marks a turning point in bilateral relations and aims to enhance mobility and economic connections.
The announcement was made on Friday via a joint statement following discussions between the foreign ministers of the two countries: Roberto Álvarez from the Dominican Republic and Raina Forbin from Haiti. The newly established air connections will link three Dominican airports with the Cap-Haïtien airport located in Haiti’s northern port city, signaling a renewed commitment to cooperation.
The Dominican Republic had previously closed its airspace to Haiti in March 2024 due to escalating insecurity in Haiti, which had been exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. During this period, only humanitarian flights were permitted, reflecting the serious diplomatic strain between the nations.
Prior to this closure, tensions had been rising over a controversial irrigation canal project initiated by Haitian businessmen, which extracted water from the shared Massacre River. The Dominican Republic strongly opposed this project, arguing that it would have dire environmental effects and threaten the agricultural sectors of both countries.
The agreement to reopen the airspace follows extensive bilateral negotiations focused on critical issues such as border control, surveillance, migration, and trade. The joint statement emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral ties while thanking the international community for its ongoing support to Haitian authorities in addressing the country's security challenges.
This renewed commitment to open airspace symbolizes a potential thaw in relations and suggests a willingness from both parties to work collaboratively on shared issues. The decision is seen as a proactive measure to boost tourism, business exchanges, and other forms of connectivity, which have been severely impacted during the airspace closure.
Additionally, the statement reflects a broader commitment to regional stability and cooperation, as both countries navigate complex domestic and cross-border challenges. Moving forward, this agreement may pave the way for further diplomatic engagements and initiatives aimed at fostering mutual growth and cooperation between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
