Haiti: Sunrise Airways Relaunches Miami Flights, Allowing Citizens, Others Escape Violence
Amidst the turmoil gripping Haiti, there's a glimmer of hope for those seeking refuge from the violence.
US green-card holders, along with Haitian nationals and others possessing valid travel documents, now have an opportunity to depart the troubled nation, provided they can safely reach Cap-Haïtien, situated north of the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to Miami Herald.
Sunrise Airways, a Haiti-based airline that initiated services to Miami International Airport in October, has announced the resumption of flights this week from Cap-Haïtien's Hugo Chavez International Airport to Miami.
According to spokeswoman Stéphanie Armand, the airline will operate flights to Miami International Airport on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Additionally, beginning Monday, the carrier will introduce daily flight service between Les Cayes, located in the southern region of Haiti, and Cap-Haïtien.
Before the eruption of violence, Sunrise Airways maintained daily domestic flights within Haiti.
It also facilitated flights between Miami International Airport and Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Flights between Miami and Cap-Haïtien were available on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Cap-Haïtien, Haiti's second-largest city, offers a comparatively tranquil environment in contrast to the chaos prevailing in Port-au-Prince.
The capital faces relentless attacks orchestrated by heavily armed gang leaders, leaving an estimated 3 million inhabitants confined amidst the violence.
READ NEXT: Haiti Transitional Council Almost Ready
Progress Towards Transitional Leadership
On Friday, Caribbean leaders assigned nine individuals the responsibility of finalizing the structure of a transitional presidential council, ArcaMax reports.
This council, which may consist of either nine members with voting rights or seven members along with two non-voting observers, will be responsible for overseeing the selection of a new president and prime minister to replace the outgoing leader, Ariel Henry.
Henry, who had been negotiating with Kenya for a multinational security force deployment and was returning to Haiti, has committed to stepping down once the council is established.
Despite mounting pressure from both Washington and the Caribbean Community for his resignation, Henry finds himself stranded in Puerto Rico, unable to return to Haiti.
The resumption of international flights from Cap-Haïtien is happening concurrently with a rise in gang violence in Port-au-Prince.
Efforts to form a transitional presidential council, facilitated by the Caribbean Community and the United States, are still in progress.
Passengers Relieved Yet Troubled
Passengers arriving at Miami International Airport from Haiti expressed relief at escaping the turmoil, CBS News noted.
Many recounted harrowing experiences, including encounters with armed gangs and the sound of gunfire.
Gastor Desir, among them, described the situation in Haiti as dire and expressed gratitude for reaching the United States safely.
Wilson Joseph, reflecting on his recent visit to Haiti, emphasized the urgent need for governmental stability to alleviate the crisis.
Tania Diogene, shocked by the violence, highlighted the importance of government intervention in restoring peace.
Yves Stimfil, who journeyed to Haiti to evacuate his mother, recounted her relief at leaving the country, underscoring the pervasive fear among Haitians.
Ashley Norilus, returning from Cap-Haitien, conveyed the scarcity of essential resources, stressing the necessity of financial assistance to improve conditions.
Despite the resumption of flights from Cap-Haïtien, uncertainties loom over Haiti's future, compounded by the ongoing struggle to establish transitional leadership.
READ MORE: Haiti Gang Attacks Wealthy Neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Ross Key
WATCH: First charter flight with US citizens fleeing Haiti lands in Miami - From WPTV News - FL Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!