LES CAYES — A plane operated by Florida-based carrier IBC Airways skidded off the runway Friday afternoon while landing at Antoine Simon International Airport in Les Cayes, as heavy rains left the airstrip flooded and hazardous.
The aircraft, carrying about 10 passengers on a flight from Miami, experienced braking difficulties upon landing, according to airport and company officials who spoke with The Haitian Times.
The plane came to a stop in the airport’s safety zone, with its nose extending toward National Road 7, just outside the perimeter fence. No injuries or fatalities were reported, though passengers were shaken by the incident.
As the aircraft approached Les Cayes—the capital city of the South Department—in heavy rain and low visibility, it was forced to circle multiple times before attempting to land, a crew member said.
The plane eventually touched down midway along the runway, reducing the available braking distance. The pilot, facing limited visibility, struggled to stabilize the approach before the aircraft veered off course, struck part of the airport fence and exited toward the roadside.
Four other aircraft were on the apron at the time but were not affected.
The incident occurred as Haiti’s southern region remains under a yellow weather alert due to forecasts of heavy rainfall.
Limited air travel options heighten risks
The runway excursion underscores broader concerns about air travel safety in Haiti, where infrastructure limitations and weather-related vulnerabilities continue to pose risks.
IBC Airways is currently the only U.S.-based commercial carrier operating flights to Haiti, following a Federal Aviation Administration ban on U.S. airlines in November 2024 due to security concerns. The FAA has prohibited them from flying below 10,000 feet over parts of the country near the capital. The restrictions have been repeatedly extended, most recently through September 2026.
IBC launched its Miami–Les Cayes route in November 2025, offering one of the few direct international connections to southern Haiti. Travelers often rely on limited alternatives, including connections through Cap-Haïtien with Sunrise Airways.
With Port-au-Prince largely inaccessible for commercial flights, regional airports like Les Cayes have taken on increased traffic—often without corresponding upgrades to infrastructure, drainage systems or runway safety conditions.
Investigation expected
An IBC staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said the airline is conducting internal assessments before issuing an official statement.
Airport authorities secured the area following the incident and began evaluating the damage. An investigation is expected to determine the exact causes of the runway excursion.
Friday’s incident also renews concerns about the resilience of Haiti’s airport infrastructure, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, when flooding and limited visibility can significantly increase operational risks.
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