In February and March 2024, Haiti experienced a major crisis, leading to the closure of entry points in the metropolitan area, including ports and Toussaint Louverture Airport. In May 2024, a humanitarian airbridge was set up between Panama and Haiti to alleviate the logistical bottlenecks. Facilitated by the Logistics Sector in Haiti and the United Nations Humanitarian Depot in Panama (UNHRD), the airbridge allowed for the transportation of 82 tons of medicines, medical supplies, and non-food items via four chartered flights, and supported eight organizations, including UNICEF, World Vision, IOM, Save the Children and WFP, in delivering critical humanitarian aid.
To better understand the impact of this airlift and its importance to the humanitarian community during the crisis, we interviewed two of the organizations, UNICEF and World Vision, which benefited from the service.
How did the blockades at the port and airport in Port-au-Prince affect your ground operations?
World Vision: our supply plan was disrupted, and the discharge of certain essential shipments was delayed. Some of our orders were blocked, resulting in demurrage accumulation.
UNICEF: several medical and school supplies containers were stuck at the CPS port. Two shipments of educational materials were lost, while the other containers remained stuck for weeks.
How did logistical challenges hinder your efforts to deliver humanitarian aid?
World Vision: international shipments and distributions to certain locations within Haiti were significantly impeded by logistical bottlenecks and insecurity.
UNICEF: road access was blocked, and transporters had to negotiate their passage at ransom points, leading to elevated transport costs. The use of sea transport via WFP's barge service facilitated several deliveries.
How effective was the airbridge in overcoming these logistical challenges?
World Vision: the timely assistance provided by the airbridge had a substantial impact on transportation of cargo from Panama to Port-au-Prince.
UNICEF: the airbridge proved to be an effective alternative compared to land-based distributions. Upon receipt of the cargo, a distribution plan was immediately put in place to reach the beneficiaries, particularly those in Croix-des-Bouquets.
Can you share specific examples of cargo successfully delivered via the airbridge?
World Vision: Thanks to the airbridge, eleven pallets of anti-tuberculosis medications were delivered to World Vision in Port-au-Prince.
UNICEF: Thanks to the airbridge, 112 m³ of humanitarian items were received in Port-au-Prince and 34 m³ in Cap-Haïtien.
How did using Cap-Haïtien airport as an alternative help sustain your ground operations?
World Vision: our cargo was shipped directly to Port-au-Prince as opposed to the Cap-Haïtien route.
UNICEF: with the blockade of the port and airport of Port-au-Prince, the airport of Cap-Haïtien became the only gateway. As a result, a new warehouse was set up in Cap-Haitien to quickly store emergency supplies from Panama. The surplus was then transported by road to Port-au-Prince.
What were the main advantages of the airbridge in Haiti?
World Vision: the airbridge took care of transportation costs and customs clearance at the transit airport of Panama. Consequently, a coordinated and organized shipment process allowed for a cost-effective and timely delivery to the airport of choice.
UNICEF: the airbridge helped reduce distribution delays caused by the blockade of ports in the metropolitan area, making it possible to reach children within a reasonable time frame.
What logistical challenges remain despite the use of the airbridge?
World Vision: no significant logistical challenges remain at the moment.
UNICEF: despite the temporary introduction of the airbridge, several challenges remained. The release of cargo arriving by air to Cap-Haïtien was delayed due to lack of personnel to process the receipt of cargo. In addition, the trucks used for transport of our cargo from Cap-Haïtien to the UNICEF warehouses are not suitable. Lastly, due to cumbersome negotiation processes, cargo is stored for two to three weeks due to a lack of personnel available to receive the goods.
How crucial was the airbridge in continuing your humanitarian missions during this crisis?
World Vision: the airbridge bridged the logistical gaps exactly when required. Consequently, it will be a substantial accomplishment if these services continue to be offer in regions that are crisis-prone.
UNICEF: by the end of May, UNICEF was able to receive supplies via the airlift from Cap-Haïtien. Due to internal displacements, there is an increase in demand for humanitarian support. The distribution of the products received is still ongoing, particularly when it comes to emergency medicines. Most of the time, distributions are taken care off by UNICEF's partners. Thanks to the airbridge, these partners were able to receive the medicines needed to help the children in need.
