Leslie Voltaire, President of the Conseil Présidentiel de Transition (CPT), inaugurated the airport’s new international status and highlighted its potential to spur economic development, boost tourism, and improve infrastructure in southern Haiti. The airport is now Haiti’s third international airport, following extensive renovations that began in 2013 to extend the runway and modernize facilities.
This development provides a safer alternative for international flights, especially as gang violence in Port-au-Prince has disrupted operations at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The expanded Antoine Simon Airport is expected to relieve pressure on other airports and attract nonprofit organizations and businesses to the region. Organizations such as Mercy Corps and Locally Haiti have expressed optimism about the airport’s role in facilitating aid distribution and regional development.
The project is consistent with broader efforts to decentralize resources from Port-au-Prince and improve access to Haiti’s southern peninsula. It also positions Les Cayes as a potential tourism hub, capitalizing on its natural beauty and cultural significance.
