Madagascar Airlines is relaunching its service to Moroni and preparing a direct flight to Guangzhou. The airline aims to make the island a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean. Officials from Madagascar Airlines met with the Comoros ambassador. A flight to Guangzhou is under study. The announcement was made yesterday at the Cité des Cultures in Antaninarenina by Rado Rabarilala, general director of Madagascar Airlines, during the resumption of flights to Moroni. "Discussions are already underway," he stated. For now, the project is still in the study phase, but the airline hopes to launch this new route by year's end.

More than a tourist destination, Guangzhou is being considered as a lever for developing commercial exchanges. For several years, many Malagasy economic operators have had to make multiple connections to reach this Chinese metropolis for supplies. Guangzhou is indeed one of the main wholesale centers for textiles, spare parts, electronic equipment, and many other items that supply the markets of Analakely, Behoririka, and other regions across the country. A direct link would reduce transport times, lower logistics costs, and facilitate importers' activities.

Regional Connections

While awaiting the opening of this line, the airline continues strengthening its regional network. The Antananarivo-Moroni route officially resumed with two weekly flights on Thursdays and Saturdays. A third rotation on Sunday is already planned. Due to operational constraints, only one aircraft is currently authorized to serve this route, with a technical stop in Mahajanga. "It's a much better offer than other airlines, even if the aircraft limits us somewhat," acknowledges Elia Rabemanantsoa, commercial director of Madagascar Airlines.

Present at the ceremony, Elyachroutu Mohamed, Comoros ambassador to Madagascar, welcomed "a new momentum in fraternal relations" between the two countries. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, this route was operated by the Malagasy airline with a Boeing 767.

In its recovery plan, Madagascar Airlines also plans to strengthen Marseille service by year's end, increasing frequency from one to two flights per week. According to the commercial director, an itinerary "Antananarivo-Marseille-Moroni-return to Antananarivo" is even under study to better meet the needs of the Comoros diaspora.

The return of "Air Madagascar" is also part of this strategy. "It is a decision of the Refoundation government," Rado Rabarilala recalls. "It is the image of Madagascar's sovereignty. It is a source of pride for Malagasy people." While acknowledging that the airline remains fragile, its leaders display ambitions to make Madagascar "a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean." The resumption of flights to Moroni, strengthening the Marseille line, and the Guangzhou service project are part of this desire to better connect Madagascar to its main economic and regional partners.