Paris-Vatry International Airport: Humanitarian aid to Haiti gathers momentum

Following the devastating earthquake which struck Port-au-Prince, in Haiti, last week the situation remains extremely critical with the survivors of the disaster finding themselves in total disarray and destitution. In response to this catastrophe, the international relief effort has once again got underway in aid of the victims with the setting up of an air bridge between the different continents of the world and the Haitian capital.

Like a number of European hubs, Paris-Vatry Airport (a multi-modal hub located 150 kilometres east of Paris, operating 24/7 and managed by the SEVE within the framework of a public service concession signed with the Marne Council), is handling numerous humanitarian operations at the request of France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the principal relief organizations such as Action Against Hunger (ACF), The Red Cross, Handicap International and Médecins Sans Frontières. Several private sector groups have also participated in the groundswell of generosity toward the Haitian people.

The past few days has already seen the loading of emergency supplies and equipment aboard all types of aircraft (B747, IL76, A300 etc. …) ensuring regular rotations between Paris-Vatry and the Caribbean.

Specializing in handling cargo traffic, the airport meets the requirements of many humanitarian organizations, being able to give priority status to their shipments in the best possible conditions.