Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, has announced that it will launch daily flights to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, starting from February 1, 2024. This will be the first direct connection between the two countries, and will boost trade, tourism and cultural ties.
A new destination for Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has been expanding its network in Africa, with new destinations such as Accra, Abuja, Luanda and Kigali added in the past year. The airline now serves 28 destinations in 21 African countries, offering more than 140 weekly flights.
The daily flights to Antananarivo will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring 22 seats in business class and 232 seats in economy class. The flight time will be about nine hours, and passengers will enjoy the award-winning service and hospitality of Qatar Airways, as well as its state-of-the-art entertainment system, Oryx One.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to launch daily flights to Antananarivo, the largest and most populous city in Madagascar. This is a historic moment for Qatar Airways, as we are the first airline to offer direct flights between our two countries. We believe that this new route will open up new opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchange, and we look forward to welcoming our passengers on board.”
A gateway to the wonders of Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world, is a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 200,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the island. The country also boasts stunning landscapes, from rainforests and mountains to beaches and coral reefs.
Antananarivo, or Tana for short, is the cultural, political and economic center of Madagascar, with a rich history and heritage. The city offers a variety of attractions, such as the Rova of Antananarivo, a royal palace complex dating back to the 17th century, the Andafiavaratra Palace, a museum showcasing the history and art of the country, and the Analakely Market, a lively and colorful place to shop and mingle with the locals.
The Minister of Tourism, Transport and Meteorology of Madagascar, Mr. Jean Brunelle Razafintsiandraofa, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Qatar Airways as a new partner in the development of tourism in Madagascar. This daily flight will not only increase the accessibility and visibility of our destination, but also enhance the quality and diversity of our tourism offer. We are confident that Qatar Airways will contribute to the promotion and valorization of the natural and cultural wealth of Madagascar, and we hope that this will attract more visitors from around the world.”
A seamless travel experience with Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is committed to providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for its passengers, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures on board and at Hamad International Airport, its hub in Doha, which has been recently awarded the Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating.
Passengers traveling to Antananarivo via Doha will also benefit from the seamless connectivity and convenience of Qatar Airways, which offers more than 170 destinations across six continents. The airline has also introduced flexible booking policies, allowing passengers to change their travel plans with ease.
Qatar Airways has been recognized as the World’s Best Airline by the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023, and has also received the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East awards.
