Madagascar Imposed Restriction On Flights From South Africa

As a result of the decision by Madagascar to suspend all flights between South Africa and the island for up to three months, Airlink has expressed its dissatisfaction with the decision.

Recently, Madagascar’s government said that its borders will be open starting March 5, after a protracted period of isolation as a result of COVID-19 virus infection. Madagascar issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) earlier today, informing pilots that “all flights to and from South Africa are restricted.” In aviation, a NOTAM is a non-negotiable written notice provided to pilots before to a flight, informing them of facts relevant to the status of the aircraft’s flight.

Those who wish to travel for business, pleasure, or to reconnect with family and friends who have not been able to see them in the preceding two years would be very disappointed by this limitation on flying availability.

A similar setback has been experienced by commerce between the two nations. Since Madagascar announced that travel will be resumed, we have had a great amount of interest from individuals in South Africa, the island country, our neighboring nations, and North America, all of whom are eager to purchase tickets. “This suspension, as well as the lack of any explanation from officials in Antananarivo, will be a cause of tremendous annoyance for them,” said Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink International.

“We are urging the governments of both countries to overcome any difficulties and disputes that may have contributed to this situation as soon as possible so that relations can be restored and our ordinary aviation services linking the two markets can be resumed,” Foster said.

Prior to the COVID-19 epidemic, Airlink operated flights between Johannesburg and Antananarivo, as well as between Johannesburg and Nosy Be, Madagascar. Once the restriction has been removed, it aims to restart service on those routes as quickly as possible.