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Sunrise’s daily operations: a look at Haiti’s last airline | PHOTOS

today2025-01-27

Sunrise’s daily operations: a look at Haiti’s last airline | PHOTOS
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Editorial Note:
Read more about Sunrise Airways’ journey and its founder in our article, “Sunrise Airways: The enduring flight of Haiti’s last airline.” Despite criticism, it remains a vital link for the Haitian diaspora after the FAA banned U.S. carriers from Haiti

CAP-HAÏTIEN — It was 10 minutes before departure time yet, Sunrise Airways passengers still sat at the Cap-Haïtien International Airport. Some stared sadly into the distance, while others fumed with visible anger. To add to the passengers’ misery, the gate was extremely hot. One passenger at the back had sweat stains on his shirt.

One person stood out amid the discontented and clearly frustrated customers at the stuffy gate. It was a happy customer, Pierre Joseph. It was Joseph’s second time flying with Sunrise and despite the delayed flight, he is extremely satisfied with their service. 

“I love Sunrise,” Joseph said. “There are always going to be some small inconveniences, nothing is perfect in life. I still see professionalism from them and we’re comfortable on their planes. I don’t have any problems with them.”

Joseph was traveling back to Florida with his wife. The two traveled to Plaisance, a northern commune, partially to assist Joseph’s mother with repairs at her house. Joseph, a technician installer living in Tampa, was among about 200 passengers traveling to Miami with Sunrise on Jan. 10.

Sunrise, the only Haitian airline, once again came to the diaspora’s rescue after American Airlines and other U.S. carriers were temporarily banned from traveling to Haiti because gang members fired gunshots at a Spirit Airlines airplane last November. 

Although disappointed with Sunrise’s services, Haitians are also pleased to have one last standing Haitian airline. From dissatisfied passengers waiting for their flight, to devoted employees and appealing airplanes, here are some images from a day with Sunrise.

A little boy sits on a suitcase next to Sunrise Airways’ front desk — perhaps the most excited Sunrise customer of the day. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Pierre Joseph (left) and his wife (right) posing for a photo on the runway of the Cap-Haïtien International Airport shortly before their flight on January 10, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
One of Sunrise Airways’ Embraer 120 aircraft at the Cap-Haïtien International Airport on January 10, 2025. The plane can carry up to 30 passengers. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A maraca player playing with his band for the arriving passengers from an international flight near one of the entrances of the airport. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A Sunrise employee flashing a slight smile from behind the front desk. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times.
Sunrise customers waiting for their delayed flight. Some are visibly bothered as they sit with their hands on their faces or quietly stare into space. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Sunrise Airways’ front desk at the Cap-Haïtien International Airport pictured on January 10, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A Sunrise employee checking passengers’ passports before they enter their gate. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A band playing for passengers before they enter the airport. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A Sunrise passenger hopping off a plane after flying from Les Cayes to Cap-Haïtien. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A musician tapping on his drum — his way to welcome passengers to Haiti. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Sunrise passengers flew from Cap-Haïtien to Miami in an Eastern Air Express airplane. Eastern Air Express is Sunrise’s operator. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
At last, the passengers are on line to board their over-an-hour late flight. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A man at Sunrise’s front desk waiting for the company’s assistance. Photo Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Passengers boarding into their Cap-Haïtien to Miami flight on January 10, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times

The post Sunrise’s daily operations: a look at Haiti’s last airline | PHOTOS appeared first on The Haitian Times.


Sunrise’s daily operations: a look at Haiti’s last airline | PHOTOS was first posted on January 26, 2025 at 7:39 pm.

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