Paris: Air France has temporarily suspended its flights to Madagascar following growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the island nation. The French flag carrier announced that services between Paris and Antananarivo, the Malagasy capital, would remain halted from October 11 to October 13, pending a reassessment of conditions on the ground.
In an official statement, Air France confirmed that the decision was made “in light of the prevailing security circumstances,” emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remained the airline’s foremost priority. The airline said it would monitor developments closely in coordination with relevant authorities and evaluate the possibility of resuming flights based on daily risk assessments. Affected travelers have been offered rebooking options or full refunds.
The suspension comes in the wake of escalating tensions in Madagascar, where authorities have reported what they described as an “attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power.” The country’s presidency issued a statement alleging that certain elements were trying to undermine the government, although it provided few details about the nature or scope of the incident.
Reports from the capital indicate that discontent among sections of the military has been growing, with some soldiers allegedly joining anti-government protests that began last month. Demonstrations have intensified amid public frustration over economic hardships, governance issues, and rising political polarization.
Air France’s decision highlights the broader implications of Madagascar’s instability for international travel and commerce. The suspension of air connectivity with one of the nation’s key European partners is expected to affect not only tourists and business travelers but also the flow of essential goods and services.
The airline has reassured passengers that it will restore operations as soon as the security environment improves. However, with uncertainty prevailing and the government warning of possible unrest, analysts believe the suspension could extend beyond the announced dates if tensions persist.
Madagascar, a country with a history of political volatility, has witnessed several coups and attempts at power grabs in recent decades. The latest unrest threatens to deepen the island’s economic challenges and disrupt vital sectors such as tourism, which has only recently begun recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of Sunday evening, no other international airlines had announced similar suspensions, but several carriers are reportedly reviewing their flight schedules and safety protocols. Both French and Malagasy authorities have advised citizens to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings until stability returns.
The temporary flight halt by Air France serves as a stark reminder of how swiftly political crises can ripple through transportation and trade, isolating nations already struggling with fragile governance and economic pressures.