⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Antoine-Simon Airport (CYA), also known as Les Cayes Airport, is a significant aviation hub serving the southern peninsula of Haiti. Located approximately 9 kilometers north of the city of Les Cayes, it is the fourth-largest airport in the country by passenger volume and has recently undergone a transformative modernization program. In 2024 and 2025, the facility officially achieved international status, following extensive infrastructure upgrades designed to meet global safety and security standards, including certification from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The airport's physical capacity has been greatly enhanced by the expansion of its primary runway to 1,850 meters. This extension allows the facility to accommodate larger aircraft with up to 80 passengers, facilitating direct international connections that were previously impossible. The terminal building itself has also been completely renovated; it is now fully air-conditioned and features a reorganized layout for more efficient passenger flow. Key additions include a dedicated international departure lounge, new immigration and customs areas, and VIP lounges catering to premium travelers.
Operations at Antoine-Simon Airport are a lifeline for the southern region, with Sunrise Airways serving as a major domestic carrier connecting Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince. The airport's new 'Last Point of Departure' status has enabled direct flights to international destinations like Miami, Florida, significantly reducing travel times for the Haitian diaspora and international aid organizations. Despite these advancements, the terminal retains a compact and intuitive layout, ensuring that check-in and security procedures remain streamlined for both domestic and international passengers.
Facilities within the modernized terminal include essential services such as clean restrooms, drinking water dispensers, and basic retail kiosks. While it does not feature the expansive duty-free malls of much larger airports, the focus on passenger comfort and safety is evident throughout. The airport's location provides convenient access to the scenic beaches of Port-Salut and the historic attractions of Les Cayes, making it an increasingly popular entry point for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of southern Haiti.
🔄 Connection Tips
Antoine-Simon International Airport operates as Haiti's newest international gateway after achieving TSA Last Point of Departure certification in March 2025, enabling direct flights to Florida via IBC Airways from Miami. The airport received its first international flight in November 2025, marking a strategic alternative to Port-au-Prince during ongoing security concerns that have barred U.S. carriers from the capital's airport.
Ground transportation covers 9 kilometers to Les Cayes city center via local taxis and private transportation, though advance arrangements are recommended due to limited services. The airport's modernization includes an expanded terminal with air conditioning, dedicated international departure areas, immigration and customs facilities, and VIP lounges. The facility serves as a crucial lifeline for southern Haiti, particularly for the diaspora community and humanitarian organizations.
Tropical weather patterns typical of the Caribbean significantly impact operations, with afternoon thunderstorms common during rainy season (May-November) and potential hurricane disruptions requiring flexible travel planning. The expanded runway now measures 3,000 meters, accommodating larger aircraft up to 80 passengers, representing a substantial upgrade from previous capabilities.
Sunrise Airways provides primary domestic service connecting Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince, while the new international status allows direct U.S. connections that previously required stopovers in Jamaica. The airport's strategic importance has grown as security deterioration in Port-au-Prince has limited northern Haiti's connectivity, making Les Cayes essential for maintaining Haiti's aviation links with the United States and international community.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
International → Domestic
90
minutes
International → International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP), also officially known as Hugo Chávez International Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway for northern Haiti and the country's second-largest city, Cap-Haïtien. The airport is a critical piece of infrastructure, connecting the Nord department with international destinations in the United States and across the Caribbean. Despite its significant role, the airport maintains a compact and relatively easy-to-navigate single-terminal structure that has undergone various modernization efforts to improve passenger flow and security.
The terminal is efficiently organized into distinct zones for departures and arrivals. The departure area includes nine immigration desks and two primary security checkpoints to manage both domestic and international traffic. While smaller than the capital's airport in Port-au-Prince, CAP is designed with an intuitive layout that minimizes walking distances between check-in counters and boarding gates. The arrival zone is similarly streamlined, featuring dedicated baggage claim carousels and customs processing areas that facilitate a smooth transition into the city for arriving visitors and returning residents.
Amenities within the terminal reflect the local culture and provide essential services for travelers. Passengers can find several cafés and snack bars serving traditional Haitian dishes, local coffee, and pastries. The departure lounge features shops highlighting the work of local artisans, offering unique souvenirs and handicrafts alongside a small but well-stocked Duty-Free store. The airport also includes a diplomatic lounge for official guests. Its role as a connector is vital, with direct flights to hubs like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, as well as domestic routes to Port-au-Prince, making it an indispensable hub for tourism and commerce in the region.
🔄 Connection Tips
Connecting through Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP) is a relatively straightforward experience compared to the capital, but it requires careful timing for domestic and international transitions. The most critical air 'connection' is the domestic link between CAP and Port-au-Prince (PAP), primarily operated by Sunrise Airways. These 45-minute flights are essential for bypassing road travel; however, they are subject to suspensions based on the security situation, so always reconfirm your flight status 24 hours in advance. A paramount tip for international arrivals: all foreign nationals must pay a mandatory $10 USD entry fee in cash upon arrival; ensure you have a crisp bill ready, as ATMs are not available before the immigration hall.
For those heading to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Citadelle Laferrière, your 'onward connection' begins with a 45–60 minute taxi ride to the village of Milot. Taxis are negotiable and typically cost $50–$80 USD for a round trip; it is highly recommended to arrange this through your hotel or a reputable driver to ensure a safe return. While the Haitian Gourde (HTG) is the official currency, US Dollars are widely accepted for all tourism-related services. From a technical standpoint, pilots should note that CAP lacks 24-hour operations and modern runway lighting, so all connections must be scheduled within the 07:00 to 18:00 window. If you are connecting to a long-haul flight to Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), allow at least 3 hours for thorough manual baggage inspections and security checks. For frequent flyers, CAP remains the safest and most efficient gateway to Northern Haiti, provided you coordinate all ground transport and national permits in advance.
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