Official approval has been granted to Qatar Airways to start daily flights between Madagascar and Qatar as a result of a recent agreement between officials from both countries. Memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed to finalise the agreement reached during discussions between Madagascar Civil Aviation (ACM) and Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) in Antananarivo on January 26.
The largest island in Africa will be served by Qatar Airways with seven weekly passenger and cargo flights from Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) thanks to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by ACM Director General Gervais Damasy and QCAA President Mohamed bin Faleh Al Hajri. This is a major development in Qatar Airways' plan to expand its worldwide operating reach.
Although the precise timetable and launch date for the new route have not yet been made public, Qatar Airways is expected to be the first airline to operate flights on this corridor. The partnership fits in perfectly with the airline's overarching goal of growing its network.
The direct flight link to Madagascar is anticipated to be crucial in enabling connections for Malagasy travellers via Doha Airport, in addition to supporting Qatar Airways' extensive international route network. The goal of this initiative is to improve the island nation's connectivity with other parts of the world as well as the Middle East.
Nearly 80 countries and more than 175 foreign destinations are served by Qatar Airways as of January 2024. Antananarivo will expand the airline's service area to include more than 28 African destinations.
The Malagasy government is working with a number of airlines to improve connectivity and reach its goal of hosting one million foreign visitors in the next five years. This strategic decision by Qatar Airways supports those efforts.
The main airport serving Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo Ivato foreign Airport (TNR), presently serves scheduled flights to 10 local and six foreign locations. Direct travel from Doha to Antananarivo will be the second-longest route from the island, after Air France's Antananarivo-Paris CDG route, which covers 2,643 nautical miles (4,894 km).
Furthermore, Madagascar is looking for ways to improve communication with the French department of Mayotte, which is located in the Indian Ocean. By increasing the number of passenger and freight aircraft choices connecting the two locations, this program aims to promote trade and tourism. Currently, passenger flights between Mayotte and Madagascar are operated by Ewa Air, a division of Air Austral.
Escape the summer heat with these six refreshing summer getaways
5 Day Itinerary flight trip plan from peru to egypt
5 Day Itinerary flight trip plan from germany to mexico
The Grand Tour of Europe: A 5-Day Itinerary of London to Italy