Madagascar Tourist Arrivals Rise 5% Despite Political Instability

Madagascar recorded a 5% increase in tourist arrivals in 2026 despite political instability following the removal of President Andriy Rajoelina.

A Ministry of Tourism official told RFI that nearly 150,000 arrivals were registered during the first half of the year. The source did not identify the official or specify the comparison period used for the reported increase.

Air links resume

Air France resumed flights to Madagascar last October after suspending services during the height of student-led protests. The airline now operates six weekly flights to Antananarivo, the capital.

The restoration of the flights comes as the country continues to face uncertainty after Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina seized power from Rajoelina. Randrianirina has vowed that Madagascar will return to civilian rule within two years.

The available figures indicate that visitor numbers increased during the first half of 2026, although the source does not provide the exact number represented by the reported 5% rise or further details on the process for restoring civilian rule.