Best way to get to Madagascar: tips, routes & airline options
How to book the best international flights to Madagascar: tips, routes & airline options
Planning a journey to Madagascar is part adventure, part daydream. The anticipation of seeing lemurs leap through rainforest canopies or walking beneath ancient baobabs—it all begins with a flight. And while Discover Madagascar doesn’t book international flights directly, we’re here to make the process smoother, smarter, and more inspired.
We’ll walk you through routes, airline options, and practical booking tips—so you can travel with confidence. Once you land, we take over. From the moment your feet touch the tarmac, Discover Madagascar is your trusted guide to seamless travel, natural wonders, and local insight.
Want to time your journey with the rhythm of the seasons? Explore our when to travel to Madagascar guide for deeper insight.
Madagascar’s international gateways
Most travelers fly into Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. It’s Madagascar’s busiest hub and the starting point for many of our custom journeys.
If you’re beach-bound or planning a coastal retreat, Fascene Airport (NOS) on Nosy Be island also receives international flights—especially convenient for travelers from Italy, France, and nearby islands.
Need a regional connection? We’ll gladly handle your domestic flights across Madagascar as part of your itinerary. See more in our Madagascar transport guide.
Smart flight booking tips
You don’t need tricks—just good tools and timing:
- Use comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak
- Set price alerts so you can monitor fare changes over time
- Tuesday and Wednesday mornings often show the best deals
- Check layover times—shorter connections can make long trips easier
- Look into loyalty programs if you’re a frequent flyer
- Consider combining airlines to get better value or smoother itineraries
💳 How to pay smartly:
- Use a credit card that offers travel insurance or purchase protection—many do, especially premium or rewards cards
- If you’re collecting points or miles, pick a card that aligns with your preferred airline
- Some platforms (like Expedia or Opodo) offer installment payments. It’s worth exploring if you want to spread the cost
🌍 Payment plans by region:
- Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm – common in North America & Europe
- Alma or Oney – available in France and parts of the EU
- PayFlex, Mobicred – often used in South Africa and parts of Africa
🧾 Always check for fees or eligibility based on your location.
💡 By booking your own international flights, you get flexibility, control, and access to the best value based on your needs. It’s often the best way to get to Madagascar.
Comprehensive list of airlines flying to Madagascar
Rather than choosing a specific airline first, start with your route and timing—then compare options on platforms like Skyscanner. Here are the main airlines serving Madagascar:
- Air France – Paris-CDG to Antananarivo
- Turkish Airlines – Istanbul via Mauritius
- Ethiopian Airlines – Addis Ababa to Antananarivo
- Kenya Airways – Nairobi to Antananarivo
- Air Mauritius – Port Louis to Antananarivo
- Airlink – Johannesburg to Antananarivo and Nosy Be
- Air Austral – Réunion to multiple cities
- Corsair International – Paris-Orly via Réunion
- Emirates – via Dubai with partner airlines
- Neos – seasonal charters from Italy to Nosy Be
- EWA Air – Mayotte to Nosy Be, Mahajanga, and more
- Madagascar Airlines – regional and domestic routes
- Air Seychelles – seasonal flights from Mahé
- Qatar Airways – via Doha with partner connections
- Lufthansa – via Frankfurt (codeshare)
🛫 Field insight: If you’re flying from Europe, Air France and Emirates tend to offer the most refined in-flight experience. If you’re focused on budget, Ethiopian and Kenya Airways often have excellent fares—especially if booked early.
📍 Tip: Mix full-service and regional carriers to strike the right balance. We’ll coordinate your internal flights once you’re in-country.
When to book & when to travel
Timing shapes your experience—and your airfare.
High season (July–October):
Perfect for wildlife lovers and families. It’s dry, cooler, and coincides with European holidays. Book early to lock in fares.
Shoulder seasons (April–June, November–December):
Think lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and the chance to spot baby lemurs. Ideal for nature-focused travelers who want space and calm.
🕰️ Booking tip: The sweet spot is often 2–4 months in advance. For July and August travel, start watching fares even earlier.
🔗 Curious about what each month feels like? Visit our when to travel to Madagascar blog for the full picture.
Your journey starts with a flight—let us take it from there
You now have the tools to find the best route, price, and timing for your international flight to Madagascar. Whether you’re chasing the call of the indri, planning to relax on a Nosy Be beach, or dreaming of baobab-lined horizons, it all starts with getting here.
At Discover Madagascar, we make sure everything from touchdown onward flows effortlessly. From tailored tours to regional flights, we’re here to help you experience Madagascar with depth, comfort, and wonder.
You bring the curiosity—we’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to begin? Browse our custom tours or reach out to start planning your story in Madagascar.
