Crisis in Madagascar: Air France Announces Suspension of Flights Between Paris and Antananarivo Until Monday Inclusive

Air France announced on Sunday to AFP that it has suspended its flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Antananarivo since Saturday and until Monday, October 13, due to the security situation on the island of Madagascar, which is facing anti-government protests.

The resumption of operations "will remain subject to a daily assessment of the situation on site," the airline specified, noting that it is "monitoring the situation in real-time in connection with the authorities."

"Affected customers will be notified individually and offered options for rescheduling or refunds," it added, emphasizing that "the safety of its customers and crew is its top priority."

Meanwhile, French airline Air Austral, which operates between Reunion Island and Madagascar, stated to AFP that it canceled a flight on Saturday but that its flights were "maintained" for Sunday.

A unit of the Malagasy army, which has called for disobedience, stated on Sunday that it is taking control of the military in a country shaken by anti-government protests, with President Andry Rajoelina denouncing an "attempt at an illegal power grab."

In an information message on its website, Antananarivo International Airport warned that "some flights may be subject to disruptions." Flights scheduled to various Malagasy provinces, Ethiopia, and South Africa were able to depart on Sunday, while a flight to Seychelles/Dubai has been announced as canceled for the day.

"Due to the events currently taking place in Tananarive, it is strongly advised to avoid any travel and to remain at home," warned the French embassy in Madagascar in a message to its citizens on Saturday.