Connecting regions without passing through Antananarivo, accommodating more flights, and meeting international safety requirements are key objectives for Madagascar’s aviation sector. These prospects depend heavily on the state of airport infrastructure. On Friday, October 30, 2026, in Ivato, the certification of eighteen Adema agents provided an opportunity for Director General Jean Germain Andrianiaina to discuss the challenges of modernizing the network.
Adema manages fifty-six airfields, including ten major hubs. Improving the network is vital for local populations and economic activities. Farafangana can now host regular flights, while improvements have been made in Manakara. Maroantsetra has a weekly connection, and Antalaha saw a new inauguration in 2026.
The company plans to develop cross-regional flights to avoid the current necessity of transiting through the capital. Potential strategies include acquiring smaller aircraft and establishing a base in the South. However, this requires adequate infrastructure and sufficient resources.
Meeting international standards remains a major challenge. Five airports are already certified, while Diego-Suarez is in the process. Toliara, Fort-Dauphin, Toamasina, Sainte-Marie, and Mahajanga require further upgrades, including perimeter security, firefighting equipment, and communication systems. A $45 million funding package, supported by the State and the World Bank, is planned for Fort-Dauphin, Toliara, and Toamasina.
The extension of the Toliara runway is a priority, aiming to accommodate international flights within one to two years. According to the Adema Director General, the goal is to facilitate regional travel, though success depends on meeting all technical and safety conditions beyond just runway length.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-31 06:09:25 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/infrastructure-les-aeroports-regionaux.html
