Madagascar Airlines is facing a temporary reduction in its fleet capacity. The national airline is currently operating only four of its five ATR 72 aircraft. The fifth aircraft is grounded due to the regulatory overhaul of its two engines, which is currently being carried out abroad. The delay in their delivery is the cause of the disruptions recorded in recent days on the domestic network.
The Director General of Madagascar Airlines, Rado Rabarilala, explained to the press on Tuesday that the two engines are currently undergoing maintenance abroad and their delivery is delayed. This situation directly affects the availability of the fleet and reduces the company’s room for maneuver in the event of operational contingencies.
The aircraft in question is usually used as a reserve plane. Its unavailability forces the national airline to make ad-hoc adjustments to its flight schedule to adapt operations to available capacity. However, Madagascar Airlines assures that its teams are fully mobilized to optimize available capacity, coordinate operations, and limit the consequences of this situation for travelers as much as possible.
The company also reaffirms that safety remains its priority. No aircraft will be engaged in commercial operations until the required conditions regarding safety, airworthiness, and compliance are met.
In parallel, Madagascar Airlines indicates that it is closely monitoring the engine overhaul process to minimize the time required for their return to service. Solutions to temporarily strengthen available capacity are also being studied, in compliance with technical, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-02 18:23:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/transport-aerien-deux-moteurs-dun-des-atr-de-madagascar-airlines-en-maintenance-a-letranger-la-flotte-temporairement-reduite/
