Haitian-American elected officials and community leaders, including Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Chair of the New York State Legislative Aviation Caucus; Assembly Member Michaelle Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, Assembly Member Souffrant Forrest, Chair of the Task Force on New Americans; Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages; and Rachelle Antoine, Manager of External Relations and Community Outreach at JFK Redevelopment Program today celebrate the upcoming inaugural direct flight between Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, and Newark Liberty International Airport, with service to begin on March 30th, 2026.
Sunrise Airways is a Haiti-based carrier founded by Haitian businessman and pilot Philippe Bayard. The new route will operate from Cap-Haïtien to Newark using an Airbus A320. Newark Liberty is one of the major airports serving the broader New York region and will make the new service especially significant for travelers seeking more direct access to communities across northern New Jersey, New York City, and the surrounding metropolitan area. Sunrise Airways will be having an event celebrating the inaugural flight on March 12th.
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“It is great news to witness the economic growth of Haiti and the wider Haitian diaspora with international commercial flights between the two nations,” Assembly Member Vanel said. “Direct service from Cap-Haïtien to Newark will strengthen access to the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area and deepen ties between Haiti and Haitian diaspora communities across the Northeast.”
“The launch of a non-stop flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Cap-Haïtien is an important milestone for the Haitian diaspora and for those with significant familial connections to Haiti, as well as for those who wish to learn about the culture of this unique nation’s rich heritage,” Assembly Member Solages said, “Increased flight access between our two communities will support tourism, economic development, and cultural exchange while enhancing continued family connection, business connections, and organizational collaboration across borders. Kudos to Sunrise Airways and everyone who helped make this possible and I look forward to the beneficial impact it will create for all, including the Haitian-American community throughout New York and surrounding areas.”
“We welcome Sunrise Airways’ new direct route from Newark Liberty International Airport to Cap-Haïtien, Haiti,” said Assembly Member Souffrant Forrest, “In times where there are no direct air connections available to the Haitian community, this groundbreaking first direct flight from Newark opens doors for families, and for opportunity. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, Cap-Haïtien is a city of resilience and culture, and this new access will only deepen the ties between Haiti and the vibrant Haitian diaspora right here in New York State.”
“Opportunities for economic development are critically important for Haiti’s recovery and long-term stability. By launching direct service to Cap-Haïtien, Sunrise Airways has demonstrated its confidence in the future of the Republic that we all love and cherish,” said Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, who in 2011 became the first Haitian American elected to the Nassau County Legislature. “This is a victory for the diaspora, and I join my colleagues in thanking Sunrise Airways – it is my hope that many other business ventures will follow the lead of Sunrise Airways and commit to the future of Haiti.”
“Cap-Haïtien plays an important role as a cultural and economic center in northern Haiti, and expanded service from that city comes at an important time for both nations,” said Vanel, “As Co-Chair of the New York Legislative Aviation Caucus, we welcome investments in air service that connect people and strengthen communities.”
