When Dan was a kid growing up in Haiti, he used to have fun riding his motorcycle up and down the dirt runway. Years later, when Dan and Debbie arrived (over 40 years ago), the Cayes “airport” still consisted of a rocky and not particularly flat airstrip and a tiny, tin-roofed shack. It was only used by small private planes for emergency medical evacuations. Planes had to buzz the field to alert people to remove their livestock so they could land safely. Somewhere along in the late 1980s, it was named Antoine Simon Airport of Aux Cayes (after Haiti’s 18th president). Again, it gave hope. Over time, the airstrip was asphalted and then enlarged and lengthened – more hope. A concrete building was built—more hope. A domestic airline began making daily flights, and everyone thought it was that long-awaited hope finally fulfilled.
Until yesterday, November 10, 2025, when IBC Airways made the first commercial flight direct from Miami to the now-named Antoine Simon International Airport.
In the summer of 2025, IBC Air began cargo flights to Cayes, but this was the first passenger flight. The plane is a small 30-passenger plane (larger planes will be able to land once the airstrip is extended a few thousand feet). Dan Shoemaker was able to be on that inaugural flight. RMI Board Member, Jeff Lozama, was also on the flight. It was received with full fanfare, local dignitaries, a Haitian drum band, Haitian reporters, and even a water arch provided by 2 of Cayes’ fire engines. IBC had worked diligently to ensure this flight met the requirements of fire control, security, baggage handlers, immigration, customs, and much more. Dan stated that the flight was “sweet, we were well treated, the seats were comfortable, and we got our luggage in good order”.
Having direct cargo and passenger service available will help restore access to a part of the country that has been completely cut off for years.It will open the south of Haiti to essential medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and economic resources. But most importantly, it will bring families and communities back together.
Currently, the passenger flights are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. While the flights are pricey, it is worth it to have a direct flight from Miami to Cayes. It’s been a long time coming, but now that it’s here, it is indeed “sweet”.
