Haiti and the Dominican Republic: Flights to resume in May after more than a year of suspension

The Dominican Republic and Haiti have announced the resumption of their air links from May, ending an interruption in effect since March 2024. This suspension had been decided by Santo Domingo due to the deteriorating security situation in Haiti.

In a joint statement issued after a meeting between delegations from the two foreign ministries at the border, the two countries indicated that this resumption aimed to "facilitate mobility, boost economic ties and strengthen bilateral relations."

This decision comes amid historically strained relations between the two neighbors who share the island of Hispaniola. However, diplomatic exchanges in recent months seem to have shown a slight thaw, as illustrated by this joint initiative.

Dominican President Luis Abinader's policy toward Haiti remains firm, particularly on the issue of migration. Dominican authorities have increased deportations, suspended the issuance of visas, and reinforced their security measures at the border, where a wall has been erected.

Many Haitians are seeking to flee gang-related insecurity in their country, considered the poorest in the region, by going to the Dominican Republic. Both countries have also welcomed the support of the international community, particularly the United Nations, in efforts to stabilize the situation in Haiti.