Sunrise Airways Shifts New York Hub to JFK for Cap-Haïtien Flights in November 2026

A traveler booked on a flight from Newark to Haiti for late October now faces a critical gap in their itinerary as Sunrise Airways abruptly shifts its entire New York operation to JFK. This strategic pivot leaves a nearly month-long void in service for passengers who relied on the Newark gateway, forcing a sudden scramble for alternative Caribbean connections.

Sunrise Airways Relocates New York Operations to JFK

Sunrise Airways has announced a total restructuring of its New York metropolitan presence. The carrier will officially cease all operations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on 20 October 2026. In its place, the airline is establishing a new hub at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where it will launch direct service to Hugo Chávez International Airport (CAP) in Cap-Haïtien.

The new JFK–Cap-Haïtien route is scheduled to commence on 16 November 2026. Flights will operate twice weekly, specifically every Monday and Thursday. This move is designed to better serve the Haitian diaspora in New York and increase accessibility to northern Haiti's cultural landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace.

However, the transition creates a significant service blackout. From 21 October to 15 November 2026, Sunrise Airways will have no active flights operating within the New York area. Passengers with bookings during this window must seek immediate alternatives.

Flight Schedule and Promotional Details

To incentivize the shift to JFK, the airline is offering a promotional fare reduction. The following table outlines the specific details of the new service and the accompanying discount.

Detail	Specification
New Route	New York (JFK) $\rightarrow$ Cap-Haïtien (CAP)
Start Date	16 November 2026
Flight Frequency	Twice Weekly (Mondays and Thursdays)
Promotional Code	HELLOJFK
Discount Amount	25% off base fares
Booking Window	13 October to 16 October 2026
Travel Window	16 November to 15 December 2026
Exclusions	Government taxes, airport fees, and surcharges

Your Rights as a Passenger

Because this disruption involves a change in the airport of departure (from EWR to JFK) and a total cessation of service for a three-week period, passengers are protected under specific aviation consumer laws.

US DOT Refund Rules Since the flights originate in the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations apply. If a carrier cancels a flight or makes a significant change to the departure airport that the passenger finds unacceptable, the passenger is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price—including taxes—regardless of whether the ticket was "non-refundable."

Duty of Care and Rebooking While US laws are less stringent than EU261, airlines are generally expected to offer rebooking on the next available flight to the destination. However, because Sunrise Airways is completely exiting Newark, they cannot "rebook" you on a Newark flight. You should demand:

1. A full refund to the original form of payment if the JFK alternative is not viable.
2. A complimentary change to a JFK departure if the date aligns.
3. Reimbursement for any documented costs incurred due to the airport change if the airline failed to provide timely notice.

For real-time updates on flight status and potential delays during this transition, passengers should monitor FlightAware or the official JFK Airport status page.

Rebooking Strategy and Alternatives

If you are caught in the "blackout period" between 21 October and 15 November, you must act quickly. The demand for Haiti-bound flights from New York is traditionally high, and seats will fill rapidly.

1. Alternative Carriers Check for availability with other carriers serving Port-au-Prince (PAP). While Cap-Haïtien (CAP) has fewer direct options, you can fly into the capital and utilize domestic connections to the north.

2. The Refund vs. Rebook Trade-off If you have a non-refundable ticket for Newark in late October, do not accept a "travel voucher" if you prefer cash. Under DOT rules, a significant change in the airport of departure entitles you to a cash refund. Use that refund to book a competitor if Sunrise Airways cannot get you to Haiti before mid-November.

3. Logistics of the JFK Shift For those accepting the move to JFK, remember that JFK is geographically distant from Newark. Factor in additional transit time and costs for airport transfers. Ensure your hotel bookings in Cap-Haïtien are flexible, as the shift in flight dates may require a change in your accommodation check-in.

FAQ: Sunrise Airways JFK Transition 2026

Am I entitled to a refund for my Newark flight? Yes. If your flight from Newark was canceled or moved to JFK and you cannot or will not travel from the new airport, you are entitled to a full refund under US DOT regulations.

Does the 25% discount apply to all costs? No. The HELLOJFK code applies only to the base fare. You will still be responsible for paying all government taxes and airport fees in full.

What happens if I have a connecting flight from Cap-Haïtien? You should contact Sunrise Airways immediately to ensure your onward connections to Port-au-Prince or Les Cayes are synchronized with the new JFK schedule.

Can I use the promotional code after October 16? No. The booking window for the 25% discount is strictly limited to the period between 13 October and 16 October 2026.

Secure your tickets early, but keep your refund rights close.

---

Related Travel Guides

• Aurigny Trims Spring Flights: Iran Conflict Slashes Demand

• FBI Data Reveals Surge in Sexual Assaults on Major Cruise Lines During Q1 2026

• Saudi Arabia Launches Digital Package Visa for Indian Travelers to Boost Vision 2030 Tourism