Haiti’s first international airport celebrates 60 years of service | Did You Know?

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Aéroport International Toussaint Louverture (PAP), its official name in French, is  Haiti’s first and largest commercial airport. Inaugurated in 1964 as Aéroport International Maïs-Gaté, the airport marked its 61st anniversary on Jan. 22. However, 2025 also marks the airport’s 60th year of service as the facility did not officially open until 1965 after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved its operational standards. From its grand opening to its evolution into a critical transportation hub, the airport remains a symbol of Haiti’s journey toward modernization.

The airport’s construction is a hallmark of Duvalier’s nearly 30-year reign over Haiti. However, its multiple renamings and relatively modest modifications throughout six decades reflect the nation’s complex history and the ongoing struggle to invest in essential infrastructure development at a crossroads toward a brighter future.

Here are some key highlights of the airport’s journey over its six decades of service:

Construction and inauguration under François Duvalier 

The Maïs-Gaté International Airport was inaugurated in 1964 during François “Papa Doc” Duvalier’s presidency. Luckner James Cambronne, a powerful Minister of Public Works, Transport, and Communications and a diehard promoter of Duvalierism propaganda, oversaw the project as part of a broader infrastructure development initiative publicized as the “National Renovation Movement.” 

Cambronne played a crucial role in supervising the airport’s development, ensuring it met international standards. To fund the project, Cambronne pressured Haitians and businesses, using threats and coercion to raise millions of dollars.

“We managed to build the airport, the Péligre Dam, and other urban infrastructure developments without incurring debt,” Cambronne proudly stated to Radio Classique on Feb. 17, 2005. “The Americans quoted us $6,000,000 for the construction. It only cost us $893,000 to do it ourselves.”

However, despite its official inauguration, the airport did not start operations until 1965 after receiving certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new infrastructure replaced Bowen Field, a smaller airstrip established during the U.S. occupation, primarily serving the American military forces and later as Haiti’s main airport. Its opening marked Haiti’s entry into the jet age, symbolizing its global connectivity and modern infrastructure aspirations.

A carnival méringue commemorated the airport’s opening

The excitement surrounding the airport’s inauguration throughout Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince, inspired Webert Sicot, a celebrated Haitian saxophonist, to compose a carnival meringue titled “Men Djèt la” (Here Comes the Jet). The song’s lively and catchy refrain, “Bon Jan Van… Men Djèt la,” (Good wind… Here comes the jet), became a cultural anthem celebrating Haiti’s leap into modern aviation.

The airport has been renamed four times

The airport’s name has changed multiple times, mirroring Haiti’s political transitions and its evolving relationship with its history:

• 1965: Aéroport International Maïs-Gaté (original name).
• 1971: Renamed Aéroport International François Duvalier following Papa Doc’s death and the rise of his son, Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier.
• 1994: Renamed Aéroport International Guy Malary by President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s government in honor of his Justice Minister assassinated in 1993 during the military rule established after the Sept. 30, 1991 coup.
• 2003: Renamed Aéroport International Toussaint Louverture by Aristide,  honoring the 18th-century revolutionary leader on the occasion of the country’s 200 years of independence.

 Haiti’s busiest and largest airport

Situated just over six miles northeast of downtown Port-au-Prince, Toussaint Louverture International Airport is Haiti’s primary gateway for international travel. With the capacity to accommodate 12 aircrafts on the ramp and a variety of global, domestic and cargo flights, it plays a crucial role in connecting Haiti to the world, especially to its diaspora.

 Modernization and reconstruction efforts

Over the years, the airport has undergone several renovations to meet growing demand and improve services:

• 2010 Earthquake: The airport suffered significant damage in the devastating earthquake but was repaired and expanded to manage passenger flow.

• 2012 Expansion: A new departure lounge and VIP area were added to improve the passenger experience.
• Ongoing upgrades: Current renovations focus on runway safety, security enhancements and better amenities. Efforts have also included the construction of a new taxiway to increase traffic capacity.
• The airport was scheduled for a complete redesign by 2015. The facility’s renovation was expected to add 14 gates to the main terminal. Work was carried out by China National Automation Control System Corporation, which, at that time, had several large construction contracts with the Haitian g

The domestic terminal, named after Guy Malary, serves local flights, while the main terminal accommodates international passengers with enhanced facilities. It is a two-story concrete and glass structure. Lounges and several retail stores are located on the second floor of the main building. Check-in counters, gates and immigration facilities are on the lower floor.

A hub for Haiti’s tourism and economy

In the 1970s and 1980s, the airport was central to Haiti’s flourishing tourism industry. Despite political instability and natural disasters, it remains a critical asset for Haiti’s economy, facilitating trade and tourism.

The airport also serves as a vital link for humanitarian aid during crises, such as the 2010 earthquake and subsequent natural disasters, particularly hurricanes.

Its renaming reflects Haiti’s struggle with its past

The multiple renamings of the airport illustrate Haiti’s complex relationship with its history. While some see the changes as erasing the legacy of the Duvalier regime, others view them as necessary steps to honor national heroes like Toussaint Louverture, who embody Haiti’s fight for independence.

Toussaint Louverture International Airport remains central to Haiti’s development aspirations, with plans for further expansion, modernization and enhanced environmental security. The airport represents one of Haiti’s major historical milestones during the 20th century and the potential for a brighter future.

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