Air France Suspends Madagascar Flights Amid Security Crisis (2025)

Air France has suspended all flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Antananarivo from October 11 to October 13, 2025, citing a fast-worsening security crisis in Madagascar’s capital. The airline says it is reviewing the situation daily with authorities and will decide on any resumption of service based on safety assessments. Passengers booked on affected flights are being notified and offered rebooking or refunds.

Airport operations at Ivato International remain technically open, but widespread cancellations have left many travelers in limbo as protests and clashes continue in the city.

What triggered the suspension

The immediate trigger for the suspension is an unprecedented surge in civil unrest and a reported mutiny by elements of the Malagasy military, known as CAPSAT, who declared they were taking control of the armed forces and joined anti-government protests demanding President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation.

The presidency has labeled the events “an attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power.” As of October 12, 2025, President Rajoelina remains in office, though the situation is volatile, with demonstrations, security force movements, and sporadic violence across key parts of the capital.

United Nations officials report at least 22 deaths since the protests began in late September, with local sources suggesting the toll may be slightly higher. Security experts warn of a highly unpredictable environment, with risks that include further military defections, heavy crackdowns, or a deeper breakdown of public order. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, have condemned the use of force against protesters and journalists and called for independent investigations.

Key takeaway: The security situation is fluid and dangerous. Airline decisions are being made day-to-day based on safety, not on firm timetables.

Flight suspensions and airport conditions

• Air France is, so far, the only major international carrier to announce a blanket pause on the Paris–Antananarivo route through October 13, while maintaining regular review of the risk profile.
• Air Austral (a regional carrier) has suspended some services but continues others.
• Ivato International Airport is open, but many flights are canceled or delayed, creating uncertainty for tourists, business travelers, and Malagasy nationals trying to return home.

Air France has told customers to watch for direct communications and to contact the airline for rebooking or refund options if needed. No special hotline for this disruption has been posted beyond standard customer service channels.

Immigration and visa policies for Madagascar have not changed as a direct result of the current crisis, based on available information. However, given the unstable security picture, travelers should expect potential delays in on-the-ground processing and possible schedule changes at short notice. Authorities and embassies may also reduce in-person services if conditions worsen.

Roots of the crisis and evolving security risks

The protests that now dominate Antananarivo began on September 25, 2025, after widespread anger over chronic water and power outages, accusations of corruption, and frustration with elite privilege.

The government’s initial response included tear gas, rubber bullets, and, in some cases, live ammunition, according to local reports and international observers. President Rajoelina dissolved the government on September 29 and appointed a new prime minister, but the unrest deepened. The involvement of military units, particularly the CAPSAT mutiny, marked a sharp escalation and raised fears of a coup attempt or prolonged instability.

Diplomatic and civil society actors have urged restraint and dialogue:

• The African Union has called on all sides to avoid further violence.
• The United Nations has expressed concern at the deaths and injuries.
• The Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar has appealed for calm and emphasized the need for reliable access to basic services, which remain at the heart of public anger.

For travelers, the security environment remains uneven and can shift block by block. While some neighborhoods appear calm, others experience quick flare-ups, roadblocks, and heavy police or military presence. This unpredictable pattern increases risk for:

• Airport transfers
• Hotel movements
• Consular visits

Travelers still in the city should plan for extended travel times, keep cash and essential supplies on hand, and avoid large gatherings.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, airlines tend to suspend routes when events threaten flight safety, ground operations, crew movement, or passenger transit to and from the airport. The Air France decision reflects a conservative risk posture: a short, defined pause with day-to-day reassessment, rather than an open-ended cancellation. This approach can limit stranded passengers while allowing flexibility to restart service quickly if the security picture improves.

Practical steps for affected travelers

1. Expect flight changes: If you’re ticketed on the Paris–Antananarivo route through October 13, assume your itinerary may shift. Check for airline messages and consider proactive contact for rebooking or refunds.
2. Stay flexible with dates: Given rolling assessments, allow extra days for any planned return or onward travel.
3. Keep documents ready: Carry passports, proof of onward tickets, and hotel details at all times. Save digital copies in secure cloud storage.
4. Coordinate with your embassy: Consular teams can provide area-specific safety advice, welfare checks, and, in some cases, limited evacuation support if conditions worsen. For U.S. citizens, see the U.S. Department of State’s Madagascar page for alerts and contact information.
5. Limit movement: Avoid protest areas, government buildings, military sites, and major intersections during peak demonstration times.
6. Monitor curfews or local orders: Restrictions can change quickly and may affect airport transfers, ground transport, or hotel operations.

Additional practical advice:

• Book refundable tickets and hotels with flexible policies.
• Keep cash and essential supplies in case electronic systems are disrupted.
• Inform family and employers of your status and plans.
• Employers should map contingency plans, enable real-time check-ins, and consider temporary relocation if feasible.

Operational considerations for airlines and wider impacts

Air France’s suspension is a reminder that airline operations depend on both airspace safety and ground security. Crews must be able to rest and transfer safely, fuel and catering services must function, and passengers must move to and from terminals without undue risk. Any strain on those points can push carriers to pause service, even when airports stay technically open.

International actors are watching closely. If the political crisis drags on, potential consequences include:

• More carriers trimming schedules
• Rising insurance costs
• Disruption to supply chains, especially for time-sensitive goods

For now, the focus remains on keeping people safe, reducing violence, and creating room for talks that can lower tensions on the streets.

Final guidance

• Travelers should defer non-essential trips to Madagascar until the picture stabilizes.
• Those already in country should stay in regular contact with airlines and embassies, follow official advice, and prepare for sudden changes.
• Air France is monitoring the situation day by day; passengers can expect updates tied directly to on-the-ground security conditions rather than fixed timetables.