Air MadagascarMD

Air Madagascar is the flag carrier of Madagascar, founded in 1962. Headquartered in Antananarivo, the airline connects the island nation to regional African destinations, Indian Ocean islands, and Europe. The carrier operates as Tsaradia for domestic routes within Madagascar, providing essential connectivity across the island's challenging geography.

The airline has faced significant financial difficulties and fleet reliability challenges over the years, including periods of EU blacklisting due to safety concerns. Despite these issues, Air Madagascar remains essential for travel to and within Madagascar, serving routes that have few alternatives.

Air Madagascar is not a member of any global airline alliance. The carrier's network focuses on connecting Madagascar with France (its former colonial power), neighboring Indian Ocean islands including Réunion and Mauritius, and regional African destinations.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22" x 14" x 10")
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) maximum
• Weight limits are strictly enforced at check-in and boarding

Fare Class	Cabin Bag	Personal Item
Economy	1 x 7 kg	Small bag
Business	1 x 7 kg	Small bag

Note: Due to smaller aircraft on domestic routes (ATR 72), overhead bin space is limited. Consider packing light for domestic connections.

Checked Baggage

International Flights:

Cabin	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs)

Domestic Flights (Tsaradia):

Cabin	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	1 bag	15 kg (33 lbs)
Business	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs)

Important: Domestic allowances are significantly lower due to aircraft limitations on ATR 72 regional turboprops. Plan accordingly when connecting from international flights.

Overweight & Oversized

Excess baggage charged per kilogram over the allowed limit:

• Approximately €10/kg on international routes
• Rates vary on domestic routes; confirm at check-in

Weight Over	Approximate Fee
Per kg excess	€10 ($11 USD)

Route Variations

Paris CDG Route:

• Standard international allowances apply
• One checked bag (23 kg) included in economy
• Two bags (32 kg each) in business class

Regional Africa/Indian Ocean:

• Similar to international allowances
• Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros routes follow standard policy

Domestic Madagascar:

• Reduced allowances (15 kg economy)
• ATR 72 aircraft have limited cargo capacity
• Book excess baggage in advance when possible

Special Items

Item	Policy	Notes
Surfboard	Contact airline	Madagascar popular for surfing
Diving equipment	Standard fee	Common for resort destinations
Sports equipment	Standard	Counts toward allowance

Verify current policies at airmadagascar.com/baggage before traveling.

Air Madagascar operates a mixed fleet with varying service levels depending on aircraft type and route.

Business Class (International):

• Available on Boeing 737 long-haul routes
• 2-2 configuration with additional legroom
• Priority boarding and lounge access at TNR
• Enhanced meal service with Malagasy-inspired cuisine
• Complimentary checked baggage (2 bags)

Economy Class (International - Boeing 737):

• Standard 3-3 configuration
• Seat pitch: approximately 30-31"
• Complimentary meals on long-haul routes
• Limited entertainment; bring your own device recommended

Domestic/Regional (ATR 72 - Tsaradia):

• Turboprop aircraft for shorter routes
• 2-2 configuration, approximately 70 seats
• Limited legroom
• Light snack service on longer domestic flights
• No in-flight entertainment

Food & Beverage:

• International flights: Complimentary meals reflecting Malagasy cuisine
• Domestic flights: Light refreshments on routes over 1 hour
• Special meals: Request 48 hours in advance

Entertainment:

• No seatback screens on most aircraft
• No WiFi available
• Bring books, downloaded content, or entertainment

Booking:

• Book directly with Air Madagascar when possible
• Compare with Air France for Paris routes (codeshare may exist)
• Consider travel agents specializing in Madagascar for package deals
• Book early for peak season (July-October dry season)

At the Airport:

• TNR airport is small; limited dining and shopping options
• Arrive early as processing can be slow
• Currency exchange available but rates may not be favorable
• Confirm baggage is tagged to final destination for connections

For Connections:

• Allow generous connection time (minimum 3-4 hours recommended)
• Domestic flights via Tsaradia may require re-check of baggage
• Confirm domestic connection is still operating before international booking

Packing:

• Pack light for domestic connections (15 kg limit)
• Bring snacks for longer journeys
• Download entertainment; no WiFi on aircraft
• Carry essential items in hand luggage (delays possible)

Managing Expectations:

• Service levels vary from international standards
• Flexibility and patience are valuable assets
• Experienced travelers recommend buffer days in itineraries
• Staff generally helpful despite operational challenges

Money:

• Primary currency: MGA (Malagasy Ariary)
• EUR and USD widely accepted for tourist services
• Credit card acceptance limited outside major hotels
• ATMs available in Antananarivo; less reliable elsewhere

Travel Insurance:

• Strongly recommended for all Madagascar travel
• Ensure coverage includes trip interruption and medical evacuation
• Madagascar's remote locations can make emergencies complex