Skip to content
Flight Deals

Madagascar Airlines

Madagascar's national airline, flying from Antananarivo

  • MadagascarCountry
  • MDIATA Code
  • MGYICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Madagascar Airlines

Madagascar Airlines is Madagascar’s national airline, flying ATR turboprops from Antananarivo across the island and to the Comoros. It returns to the Air Madagascar name on 31 October 2026 and plans to lease larger aircraft to restart long-haul flights. This guide covers routes, the rebrand, baggage, power bank rules and how it compares with Air Austral and Air Mauritius.

Madagascar’s national airline was formed in 2021 by restructuring Air Madagascar and its regional arm Tsaradia. It returns to the Air Madagascar name from 31 October 2026.

Madagascar Airlines flights to Antananarivo
Photo: Yasmine Arfaoui / Unsplash

Air Madagascar Returns in 2026

  • The airline trades as Air Madagascar again from 31 October 2026.
  • Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni (Comoros) resumed on 30 July 2026, twice a week.
  • A codeshare with Ewa Air links Mayotte with Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Nosy Be and Moroni.
  • It plans to lease at least one long-haul and one medium-haul aircraft to restart international flights.

For now, long-haul trips to Europe use other airlines, such as Air Austral or Air France.

Power Bank Rules

The airline follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
  • Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100–160 Wh only with the airline’s approval.
  • No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.
  • Never pack power banks in checked bags.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Madagascar

Cheap Madagascar Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Travel from April to November, the dry season.
  • Compare connections via Réunion, Mauritius and Paris.
  • Book domestic flights early, as seats are limited.
  • Allow flexibility for schedule changes.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Madagascar Airlines next to Air Austral, Air Mauritius and others.

Madagascar Airlines vs Air Austral vs Air Mauritius

Three ways to reach and travel around Madagascar.

Madagascar AirlinesAir AustralAir Mauritius
HubAntananarivoRéunionMauritius
Domestic Madagascar flightsYesNoNo
Long-haul to EuropeNot at presentParis (via Réunion)Paris and London (via Mauritius)
Best forGetting around MadagascarRéunion connectionsMauritius connections

See our Air Austral guide and Air Mauritius guide to compare.

Arriving in Antananarivo

Ivato Airport is about 15 km from central Antananarivo. Taxis and hotel transfers are easiest, and traffic can be slow.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Madagascar Airlines a Good Airline?

It is the main domestic option in Madagascar and saves long road trips. Expect schedule changes during the rebrand and rebuild, and stay flexible.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against ATTA on the Air Madagascar rebrand and ICAO’s 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Madagascar Airlines website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

Madagascar Airlines is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it works with partners such as Air Austral and Corsair to connect Madagascar with Réunion, mainland France and beyond.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Madagascar Airlines has a codeshare with Air Austral, including flights with its subsidiary Ewa Air linking Mayotte with Madagascar, and works with Corsair on flights to France.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo is the airline's hub for domestic and regional flights.

Popular Madagascar Airlines Routes

The airline's network focuses on domestic routes from Antananarivo, saving long road journeys: Nosy Be, Toamasina, Mahajanga, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Morondava and Fort Dauphin, plus regional flights to the Comoros. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Madagascar Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Madagascar Airlines sells several fare types with different change and refund rules. Schedules can change at short notice while the airline rebuilds its network, so reconfirm domestic flights the day before and leave a full day between domestic and international flights.

When you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any change fee for your fare type. Keep your contact details on the booking so you receive schedule-change notices.

  • Cheapest fares Lowest prices and the strictest rules.
  • Flexible fares Lower change fees and more flexibility.
  • Schedule changes Check your booking before travel.
  • Name change The airline returns to the Air Madagascar name from 31 October 2026; existing bookings are expected to remain valid.
  • How to change or cancel Contact the airline or your travel agent.

Madagascar Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Domestic flights use ATR turboprops, with simple seating and limited overhead space.

If you're flying on to Réunion or Paris, booking a codeshare with partners such as Air Austral can make connections smoother.

  • Aircraft ATR 72 turboprops on most routes.
  • Seating Simple, single-class cabins on domestic flights.
  • Connections Partner codeshares with Air Austral.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Madagascar Airlines Baggage Allowance

Passengers can bring a small carry-on bag, but overhead space on ATR turboprops is limited and weight limits are strict.

Checked baggage is included on most fares; the amount depends on your route and fare. Arrive early at Ivato, and check the exact allowance shown on your booking.

  • Carry-on 1 small bag; limited overhead space on ATR aircraft.
  • Checked baggage Included on most fares; amount depends on route.
  • Check your ticket The exact allowance is shown on your booking.

Namako: Madagascar Airlines Loyalty Programme

Namako is the airline's loyalty programme. Members earn points on flights and can redeem them for rewards.

The programme may change as the airline returns to the Air Madagascar name, so check the latest terms before you fly.

  • Membership Free to join.
  • Earn Points on the airline's flights.
  • Redeem Award flights and other rewards.
  • Changes Terms may change with the return to the Air Madagascar name.
Join or log in on the Madagascar Airlines website

Madagascar Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Madagascar Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is MD. It appears in flight numbers (for example MD 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is MGY, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Madagascar Airlines part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Madagascar Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

04When was Madagascar Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1947.

05What are Madagascar Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Antananarivo (TNR) – Main Hub.

06What is Madagascar Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Namako. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07Is Madagascar Airlines the same as Air Madagascar?

Yes. Madagascar Airlines was formed by restructuring Air Madagascar and its regional arm Tsaradia, and returns to the Air Madagascar name from 31 October 2026.

08Does Madagascar Airlines fly to Paris?

Long-haul flights were suspended in late 2023. For Paris, the airline works with partners such as Corsair and Air Austral.

09Which domestic routes does Madagascar Airlines fly?

From Antananarivo to Nosy Be, Toamasina, Mahajanga, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Morondava and Fort Dauphin.

10Should I reconfirm Madagascar Airlines flights?

Yes. Schedules can change at short notice, so reconfirm domestic flights the day before and leave a full day before an international connection.

Madagascar Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Madagascar Airlines and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Madagascar Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.