Madagascar Airlines and the Ministry of Transport and Meteorology have jointly announced the launch of a cross-country air service programme on the East–North axis, linking Toamasina, Sainte-Marie, Antalaha, Maroantsetra and Sambava through the deployment of a LET-410 aircraft owned by the Malagasy State.
The initiative is intended to open up isolated regions, strengthen territorial continuity and support local economic sectors in a context where overland travel remains difficult. It forms part of a broader state-led effort to enhance territorial connectivity, implemented in coordination with local authorities and economic stakeholders.
The inaugural flight, operated on 22 January 2026, marked the operational launch of the new cross-country routes. Scheduled services are expected to become available for sale through Madagascar Airlines’ national distribution network.
The programme is designed to provide a faster, more reliable and more regular transport solution for residents, businesses and economic stakeholders in the regions concerned. It delivers substantial time savings by significantly reducing travel durations that are often long and arduous by road.
Several connections will reduce journey times from several hours, or even a full day, to between 35 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes. Examples include Sambava–Maroantsetra (35 minutes), Antsiranana–Nosy Be (40 minutes), Antsiranana–Sambava (55 minutes), Maroantsetra–Toamasina (1 hour 5 minutes), Antalaha–Antsiranana (1 hour 10 minutes) and Toamasina–Antalaha (1 hour 15 minutes).
An aircraft suited to territorial realities
With a seating capacity of 19 passengers, high operational flexibility and the ability to operate from short runways and secondary airfields, the LET-410 enables the provision of regular and sustainable services. This includes lower-density routes with significant economic and social impact.
As the national carrier, Madagascar Airlines operates all flights in full compliance with applicable international regulations, including those of IATA and ICAO, as well as the requirements of the competent authorities. Passenger, crew and operational safety remains a fundamental and non-negotiable priority, including within the framework of this cross-country route programme.
Targeted connectivity supporting strategic sectors
The cross-country network will serve Antalaha, Antsiranana, Maroantsetra, Nosy Be, Sainte-Marie, Sambava and Toamasina, all of which are strategically important for sectors such as vanilla production, fisheries, agriculture, tourism and regional trade. The programme also предусматриes scheduled services, charter flights and B2B partnerships for businesses, non-governmental organisations, institutions and tourism operators.
A segmented pricing structure has been established to balance affordability for local populations with the economic sustainability of the operating model.
