The commissioning of a new passenger terminal at Ivato International Airport, the main gateway to Madagascar, took place yesterday the day after the signing of a new concession agreement between the Malagasy authorities.
The commissioning of the new 17,500 sqm terminal almost doubles the airport capacity and is estimated to welcome more than 1.5 million passengers per year, compared to 850,000 passengers in 2016.
The concession company Ravinala Airports, is a consortium formed by Groupe ADP (35% shareholder via its subsidiary ADP Management), the Bouygues group (20%) through Bouygues Bâtiment International and Colas Madagascar, a subsidiary of the Colas Group and Meridiam (45%), have since 23 December 2016 been overseeing the operation of Madagascar’s Ivato international airport in Antananarivo and Fascene international airport in Nosy Be.
The concession contract was signed for 28 years with the Government of the Republic of Madagascar.
The 28-year concession agreement provides for:
– the financing, design and construction of the new passenger terminal;
– the operation of the entire airport throughout the concession.
This modernization is part of the government’s strategy to revive the economy and accelerate tourism activity on the island.
The commissioning of the terminal is also a strong signal for the tourism sector in allowing for smoother airport traffic and the welcoming of new international airlines to Madagascar, which is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists.
Improving Madagascar’s Attractiveness
Before the health crisis began, tourism contributed 16% of the country’s GDP and employed more than 800,000 people (3% of the population).
Waiting time will be considerably reduced thanks to the presence of multiple new counters, thus facilitating transit formalities at Ivato.
The new international terminal has also received health accreditation from the Airport Council International (ACI).
The agreement between the government and the members of the consortium provides for a significant upward revaluation of the fiscal benefits for the State to nearly 400 million euros throughout the concession.
With its international experience in the management of sustainable mobility infrastructures, Meridiam, a shareholder, will contribute and share its expertise in addition to the investments of more than €200 million made during the construction phase.
“With this new international terminal, Madagascar will have a state-of-the-art infrastructure that meets the best international airport standards. It is also a pleasant living environment, a showcase for Malagasy flora and culture. At the service of economic development, it will allow accompanying the effective recovery of the tourist activity on the island” said Thierry Déau, Founder and CEO of Meridiam.
