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Santo Domingo, October 29, 2024 – Dominican President Luis Abinader confirmed that the Dominican Republic will maintain its airspace closure with Haiti due to ongoing instability, including significant political, economic, and security challenges. The airspace restriction, initially imposed on March 5 under Resolution 46-2024 by the Dominican Civil Aviation Board (JAC), suspends all passenger and cargo flights to and from Haiti and will remain in place until conditions improve.
Abinader emphasized that reopening the airspace is not an option while the current crisis persists in Haiti, where escalating gang violence has created severe security risks. A recent United Nations report highlighted record levels of violence, with over 3,600 homicides and more than 1,100 kidnappings reported between January and June 2024. The report estimates that around 85% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is currently under the influence or control of armed gangs, contributing to the deteriorating situation.
The Dominican Republic has reinforced its border security in response, deploying additional military forces and closing the border last year following tensions over a canal project on the shared Masacre River. Since early October, the country has also ramped up deportations of undocumented Haitian migrants, removing approximately 10,000 individuals weekly in line with a government mandate aimed at tightening immigration controls.
The ongoing airspace closure and enhanced border security measures reflect the Dominican government’s commitment to safeguarding its own stability amid Haiti’s prolonged crisis. Abinader’s administration continues to prioritize internal security as Haiti grapples with deepening social and economic challenges linked to widespread gang influence.
