Betioky Atsimo airfield is operational once again. According to a statement from the Christian Association for Development and Environmental Action in Madagascar (ACDEM), the facility has been rehabilitated with support from the World Food Programme (WFP), with ACDEM overseeing project implementation. The runway had been out of service for twenty years.
It is now back in operation. Takeoff and landing tests were successfully conducted on the 1,300-meter runway, according to the announcement.
Currently, its primary purpose is humanitarian. This infrastructure will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and food aid, improve access to communities and remote areas, strengthen the WFP's emergency response capacity and that of its partners, and build resilience among populations in Betioky-Sud district.
The airfield could also contribute to the economic and social development of the region. Betioky-Sud district is home to the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve, whose visitors could eventually use this facility.
Miangaly Ralitera