Air France pauses Paris-Antananarivo through October 13

Published on Oct 12, 2025, 10:58 am CDT

5 min read

Air France has suspended its Paris Charles de Gaulle-Antananarivo service through October 13, citing the security situation in Madagascar. The pause affects AF934/AF935, and the carrier says it will review the route each day with authorities. Customers on canceled flights may choose free rebooking or a refund. Travelers already in Antananarivo can consider partner routings via Nairobi or Johannesburg to reach Europe on Air France or KLM. Authorities and the French embassy warn against movement near protests and military sites.

Key Points

Why it matters: The only nonstop between Paris and Madagascar is paused, stranding itineraries.
Travel impact: AF934/AF935 canceled October 11-13; change or refund available.
What's next: Air France will reassess daily; check status before traveling to the airport.
Alternatives via Nairobi:** Kenya Airways to Nairobi, then AF or KLM to Europe.
Alternatives via Johannesburg: Airlink to Johannesburg, then Air France to Paris.
Safety note: Follow embassy guidance, avoid protest areas, allow extra time at Ivato International Airport (TNR).

Snapshot

Madagascar is experiencing acute political unrest, with the presidency saying an attempted seizure of power is underway. In response, Air France suspended Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)-Antananarivo Ivato International Airport (TNR) flights from October 11 through October 13. Affected customers are being offered rebooking or refunds. For those already in Madagascar, practical same-day exit options include Kenya Airways to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for Air France or KLM services to Paris or Amsterdam, or Airlink to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to connect to Air France's daily Paris service. Expect rolling cancellations and plan conservative, daylight transfers to and from TNR.

Background

Street protests that began over water and power shortages have expanded into broader political demands, drawing elements of the security services and prompting scattered clashes. The French embassy in Madagascar has issued security messages urging caution and monitoring of official channels. While Ivato International remains open, schedules are volatile, and multiple carriers have adjusted operations. Air France is coordinating with authorities and says it will evaluate the situation every day. For travelers with separate tickets or complex itineraries, know your EU261 rights on refunds, rerouting, and care during cancellations, and keep documentation for downstream claims. See our explainer on protected rights during disruptions, including how care provisions apply when "extraordinary circumstances" limit cash compensation, in Italy air transport strike: guaranteed flights and your EU261 rights.

Latest Developments

Rebooking and refund rules for Air France customers

Air France confirms customers on canceled flights can be rebooked without penalty or refunded. If you purchased through a travel agency, contact the agency for processing; tickets bought from Air France can be managed in My Bookings or through customer support. Under EU261, cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances still entitle you to rerouting or a refund, plus "care" like meals and hotels when applicable; cash compensation generally does not apply in such cases. Build in generous connection buffers if rerouting via third-party hubs, and keep boarding passes and receipts to support any care claims. If you are holding separate tickets, ask agents to "protect" you on the next available services to preserve inventory while you finalize connections.

Analysis

For Europe-Madagascar itineraries, capacity is thin and alternatives rely on regional connectors. The most resilient path from Antananarivo is usually via Nairobi or Johannesburg because both hubs offer multiple long-haul banks to Europe and alliance connectivity with Air France-KLM. Kenya Airways operates Antananarivo-Nairobi, enabling onward Air France Paris and KLM Amsterdam flights. Johannesburg is a solid second option, with Airlink operating Antananarivo-Johannesburg and Air France flying Johannesburg-Paris daily. Choose daylight departures from Antananarivo where possible, minimize cross-town transfers, and avoid tight self-connects. If you are not yet in Madagascar, postpone non-essential travel until Air France confirms resumption. If you must travel, consider ticketing through Nairobi or Johannesburg on a single PNR to simplify involuntary changes. Finally, monitor embassy alerts and airline messages frequently; conditions can change quickly and carriers are adjusting schedules on short notice.

Final Thoughts

We expect Air France to reassess the route daily with authorities and local security partners. If you are already in Antananarivo, prioritize safe movement to Ivato International, target partner exits via Nairobi or Johannesburg, and keep all bookings on a single record where feasible. If you are ticketed on AF934/AF935 through October 13, use Air France channels to rebook or refund now, and verify hub connection times of at least three hours when self-connecting. Keep an eye on embassy updates, and review EU261 care provisions. We will continue tracking the situation around Air France Antananarivo.