Arajet Denies Role in Haitian Child Trafficking Allegations

Arajet Addresses Trafficking Allegations

Arajet SA, the Dominican Republic’s flag carrier and largest low-cost airline, has issued a formal denial regarding allegations linking the carrier to the illegal transport of Haitian children to Chile. The airline, which operates a fleet of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, stated that its operations remain in full compliance with both Chilean and Dominican immigration laws. The carrier specifically refuted claims that it had operated charter flights between Port-au-Prince and Santiago, noting that such reports are factually incorrect.

The SERMIG Investigation

This denial follows a criminal complaint filed by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG), the national migration service of Chile. Frank Sauerbaum, Director of the agency, submitted the complaint to the regional prosecutor’s office of the Central-North Metropolitan Area earlier this week. The investigation focuses on potential child trafficking activities occurring between January and October 2025. According to the SERMIG complaint, the agency submitted six documents containing evidence gathered during joint audits. The documents allege that at least 12 adults, including both Chilean and foreign nationals, repeatedly entered the country while posing as chaperones for groups of two to 18 Haitian children and teenagers.

Regulatory Compliance and Migration Scrutiny

At the center of the legal dispute is Article 28 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act (Ley 21.325 de Migración y Extranjería). Under this regulation, foreign minors entering Chile must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or possess formal written authorization. The complaint alleges that the individuals identified lacked these required authorizations and bypassed established protocols under the guise of family reunification. The official website of Arajet reiterates the carrier's commitment to these legal frameworks. This investigation reflects a broader trend of heightened immigration scrutiny on charter flights in the Americas. Regional governments are increasingly pressuring airlines to tighten passenger manifest checks to prevent migrant smuggling networks from exploiting legitimate air routes.

Historical Context and Industry Precedents

The current situation mirrors previous regulatory interventions in the region. In May 2024, the United States government issued joint alerts to airlines, warning that smuggling networks were exploiting legitimate flights to Managua, which led to significantly tighter enforcement of airline policies. Furthermore, the aviation industry continues to grapple with the legal liabilities surrounding child protection. In May 2026, British Airways agreed to a civil settlement regarding historical abuse cases, highlighting the severe reputational and legal risks airlines face regarding their duty of care. For Arajet SA, the primary stakeholder impact involves potential regulatory audits of passenger manifests to confirm compliance with international and local law. For Haitian migrants and unaccompanied minors, the investigation may lead to increased border scrutiny and potential delays for legitimate family reunification travel to Chile.

Future Regulatory Milestones

The Regional Prosecutor’s Office of the Central-North Metropolitan Area is expected to release findings regarding these charter flight trafficking networks between late 2026 and 2027. The progress of this investigation remains a critical point of interest for both the Chilean government and the regional aviation sector as they refine enforcement strategies.

Why This Matters for Regional Aviation

The investigation signals a significant shift in how regional authorities monitor and prosecute the misuse of air travel for human trafficking. By targeting the manifest integrity and chaperone protocols of charter operations, Chilean regulators are setting a precedent that could force regional carriers to adopt more rigorous verification processes. For the aviation industry, this development indicates that airlines will likely face increased pressure to serve as the first line of defense against human smuggling, regardless of their specific role in the flight chain.