Haiti’s single major carrier Sunrise Airways launches Cap-Haïtien to Boston route | PHOTOS

CAP-HAITIEN —  “Blakawout” —  Haitian Creole for blackout or power outage— briefly disrupted Sunrise Airways’ inaugural Cap-Haïtien–Boston flight March 17, highlighting the challenges of travel in Haiti even during milestone moments.

About an hour before departure, a power outage at Hugo Chávez Cap-Haïtien International Airport halted operations for roughly 30 minutes. Passengers had to wait for power to pass through security and used their phones’ flashlights when going to the restroom.

Despite the disruption — along with a late-arriving aircraft — the mood remained celebratory.

Passengers smiled, exchanged hugs with airline staff and received small gift bags before boarding, marking the launch of a long-anticipated direct route between northern Haiti and New England. Many travelers say they won’t miss long layovers in Florida.

“This moment is very meaningful for Sunrise Airways,” President Philippe Bayard said in an email to The Haitian Times. “For many years, the Haitian diaspora in Boston and across New England has expressed the need for a direct connection to northern Haiti.”

For decades, most Haiti–U.S. flights routed through Florida, requiring additional connections for travelers heading to cities like Boston. The new route reduces travel time and simplifies access for diaspora communities.

“For Sunrise Airways, this route represents an important step in expanding our network,” Bayard said. “Boston is a strategic city for us, allowing us to better serve the Haitian community while supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchange.”

The airline plans to operate Cap-Haïtien–Boston flights on Tuesdays and return flights on Wednesdays. One-way fares range from approximately $170 to $190, with round-trip fares starting at $499.

The launch of the Cap-Haïtien–Boston route also comes as international travel to and from Haiti remains severely constrained. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to ban commercial flights to Port-au-Prince due to ongoing security risks, forcing most travelers to reroute through northern Haiti or neighboring countries.

As a result, Cap-Haïtien has become a critical — and often costly — gateway. With limited competition, Sunrise Airways now operates a near-monopoly service on several domestic and regional routes, driving up ticket prices for passengers trying to reach other parts of the country.

Short connecting flights from Cap-Haïtien to Port-au-Prince or cities such as Les Cayes — typically 30 to 50 minutes — can cost at least $200 one way, adding a significant financial burden for travelers already navigating delays, luggage issues, insecurity and limited options from abroad.

Next up, Sunrise also plans to expand service to New York/New Jersey, with direct flights kicking off in June.

Below are images from the inaugural flight.

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