Madagascar Airlines is relaunching its connection to Moroni and preparing for a direct flight to Guangzhou. The company aims to make the Great Island a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean.
“A flight to Guangzhou is under study,” announced Rado Rabarilala, Director General of Madagascar Airlines, yesterday at the Cité des Cultures in Antaninarenina, during the resumption of flights to Moroni. He noted that discussions are already underway. While the project is still in the study phase, the company hopes to launch this new route by the end of the year.
Beyond being a tourist destination, Guangzhou is seen as a lever for trade development. For years, many Malagasy economic operators have had to take multiple connecting flights to reach this Chinese metropolis for supplies. Guangzhou is a major wholesale hub for textiles, spare parts, electronic equipment, and other goods that stock the markets of Analakely, Behoririka, and other regions. A direct link would reduce transport times, lower logistics costs, and facilitate business for importers.
Meanwhile, the company continues to strengthen its regional network. The Antananarivo-Moroni route has officially resumed with two weekly flights on Thursdays and Saturdays, with a third rotation on Sundays already planned. Due to operational constraints, only one aircraft is currently authorized to serve this route, with a technical stopover in Mahajanga.
“It is a much better offer than that of other companies, even if the aircraft penalizes us a little,” admitted Elia Rabemanantsoa, Commercial Director of Madagascar Airlines.
Elyachroutu Mohamed, Ambassador of the Comoros to Madagascar, praised “a new momentum in fraternal relations” between the two countries. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, this route was operated by the Malagasy company using a Boeing 767.
In its recovery plan, Madagascar Airlines also plans to strengthen the Marseille route by the end of the year, increasing frequency from one to two flights per week. According to the commercial director, an “Antananarivo-Marseille-Moroni-return to Antananarivo” route is being studied to better meet the needs of the Comorian diaspora.
The return of “Air Madagascar” is also part of this strategy. “It is a decision of the Refoundation government,” recalled Rado Rabarilala. “It is the image of Madagascar’s sovereignty. It is a source of pride for the Malagasy people.” While acknowledging that the company remains fragile, its leaders aim to make Madagascar a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-29 05:54:11 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/transport-aerien-la-reprise-du-vol.html
