Airlink has voiced its disappointment about Madagascar’s decision to ban all flights between South Africa and the island for up to three months.

Madagascar’s government recently announced that it was reopening its borders from March 5, following a prolonged period of isolation due to COVID-19. Earlier today a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued by Madagascar that says: “All flights to and from South Africa are prohibited.” (A NOTAM is a non-negotiable written notification issued to pilots before a flight, advising them of circumstances relating to the state of flying.)

“This restriction on flights will be a major disappointment for everyone who wants to travel for business, leisure and to reconnect with relatives and friends whom they have been unable to visit for the past two years. Similarly, it is a setback for trade between the two countries. In the past few days since Madagascar said it would reopen for travel, we have received significant interest from people in South Africa, the island nation, our neighbouring countries and in North America, who are keen to book tickets. This ban and the absence of any explanation by authorities in Antananarivo will be a source of great frustration for them,” said Airlink CEO and MD, Rodger Foster.

“We are appealing to the governments of both countries to expeditiously resolve any issues and differences that may have led to this situation so that relations can be normalised and we can restore our usual air services connecting the two markets,” added Foster.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Airlink operated flights between Johannesburg, Antananarivo and Nosy Be. It intends to resume services on those routes as soon as the ban has been lifted.