Located on the island of La Gonâve, Haiti, the WISH Airstrip (often officially referred to as the Anse-à-Galets Airport) is a vital lifeline for the isolated population of the island. Operated by West Indies Self Help (WISH), it serves as the primary aerial gateway for humanitarian aid, medical evacuations, and missionary efforts.
Key Specifications
- Location: Northern edge of Anse-à-Galets, La Gonâve Island.
- Coordinates: 18°50’30” N, 72°52’50” W
- Runway Length: Approximately 730 meters (2,400 feet).
- Surface: A mix of sand, dirt, and seasonal grass.
- Elevation: 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level.
- Operations: Strictly Daytime VFR (Visual Flight Rules); there are no lights, control towers, or paved aprons.
Vital Functions & Current Status
The airstrip is more than just a landing strip; it is the center of mobility for an island of 120,000+ people who are often “forgotten” by mainland infrastructure.
- Humanitarian Hub: WISH uses the airstrip to support its ministries. It is also used by other ministries and local businesses/banks to safely bring in supplies and money.
- Medical Life-Flight: It provides the only rapid connection to Port-au-Prince for emergencies that the local 50-bed Wesleyan hospital cannot handle.
- Operational Challenges: As of early 2026, aviation in Haiti faces significant hurdles. While the airstrip itself remains a critical asset, organizations like Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) have had to periodically pause or relocate operations due to instability on the mainland. Another ministry called, Hope From Above, has become the primary provider of missional flights to the island presently.
- Infrastructure: The “terminal” is modest but acts as a central point to gather and wait for flights. There is also a significant water diversion tunnel under the runway that helps keep the airstrip operational even after substantial rains.
Recent Developments
In recent years, a second smaller airstrip was cleared by hand in La Source (on the far side of the island) to further reduce travel times for remote villages, though the Anse-à-Galets (WISH) strip remains the primary hub for the island’s administrative and logistical needs.
There is no fuel service available on the island. Any aircraft landing at the WISH airstrip must arrive with sufficient fuel reserves for their return trip to the mainland or their next destination.
Our Partners
- Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF): Specifically…
- Hope From Above: For the …