Fascene Airport

Fascene Airport is not merely a technical point on the map, but a colourful gateway to the world of the "Perfume Island," surrounded by tropical greenery and ylang-ylang plantations. Immediately upon landing, passengers are enveloped in a warm, relaxing atmosphere that sets the mood for a holiday even before leaving the terminal. Despite its modest size, this air harbour plays a key role in the region's tourism life, connecting the exotic resort with major international hubs.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Fascene Airport stands out among other air hubs for its special cosiness and functionality, adapted to the needs of tourists arriving for a beach holiday.

Intuitive Navigation. Thanks to the compact single terminal, it is practically impossible to get lost here. The entire journey from the entrance to boarding takes minimal time, sparing travellers the stress and long walks typical of huge capital airports.

Updated Infrastructure. Following a large-scale reconstruction managed by Ravinala Airports, the terminal now meets modern comfort requirements. Technical equipment is harmoniously combined with authentic design using natural materials.

A Scenic Start to the Journey. The location of the runway offers passengers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the island from above. During take-off and landing, the windows offer breathtaking views of turquoise lagoons and green hills, turning the flight into a true sightseeing tour.

If you need to contact the administration or services of Fascene Airport, please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: Information about airport services can be sought on the website of the management company Aéroports de Madagascar (ADEMA): www.adema.mg. Please note that information on the site may be outdated.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +261 32 07 137 42.
• Airport Address: Fascene Airport, Nosy Be, Madagascar.
• Email: A direct email address is not provided. For communication, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website of the management company, if available.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should contact your airline's representative directly. Airport staff do not handle the search for lost items but can advise on the location of your carrier's office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information desk number.

When planning your departure from Fascene Airport, it is worth thinking about the journey there in advance. Although the island of Nosy Be cannot boast an extensive public transport network, getting to the air harbour is quite simple by choosing one of the available options.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most reliable and comfortable method. The trip from the main city of Andoany (also known as Hell-Ville) or popular beaches takes on average 30-45 minutes. Most hotels organise transfers for their guests, which are best booked in advance. If you catch a taxi yourself, always agree on the fare in advance, as meters are not common here. The approximate price is from 40,000 to 60,000 Malagasy Ariary (MGA).

Public Transport on the island is represented by taxi-brousse minibuses. This is an extremely budget-friendly but not the most convenient option for tourists. They do not have a strict schedule, are often overcrowded, and may not drive right up to the terminal entrance, which is inconvenient if you have luggage. This method is suitable for experienced travellers with light luggage who are ready for an adventure.

Car Rental gives you the freedom to move around the island, the pearl of Madagascar. Many rental companies offer a car delivery and return service directly at Fascene Airport. To guarantee the availability of a vehicle, especially during peak season, it is worth booking online. Keep in mind that road surface quality outside the main routes can be unpredictable.

There is a small open car park on the airport territory. It is suitable if you have arrived in a rented car to return it before departure, or if friends are seeing you off in their car. Do not expect a multi-level car park, but there is usually enough space for temporary parking.

Fascene Airport (NOS) on the island of Nosy Be is a small and compact aviation hub, making navigation intuitively clear even for first-time visitors. All infrastructure is housed in one two-storey terminal building, which serves both international and domestic flights.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. On the ground floor, there are check-in counters, the arrival zone with baggage claim, and customs control. Airline offices and currency exchange points are also located here. After checking in, passengers departing on international flights proceed to the first floor, where the departure zone is located. It includes passport control, a security screening point, and a small waiting lounge with several shops and cafes.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between zones are not required — everything is within a single building. Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated, and getting lost here is practically impossible. Signs are in Malagasy, French, and English, which facilitates orientation.

Despite its modest size, the airport can get quite crowded during peak hours and on days when international charters depart. Check-in, passport control, and screening procedures may take longer than expected. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: at least 3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This will allow you to complete all formalities calmly, check in your luggage without rushing, and relax before your flight.

The history of Fascene Airport (NOS) is inextricably linked with the transformation of Nosy Be into one of the main tourism centres of Madagascar. Unlike many large capital airports with a long documented history, Fascene developed organically, growing from a small airfield in response to the increasing flow of travellers wishing to discover this paradise island. The exact founding date of the original runway is not widely publicised, but its active development began in the second half of the 20th century with the arrival of international tourism on the island.

The main stimulus for all stages of the airport's expansion was its growing popularity among European tourists, primarily from Italy and France. As charter and scheduled flights became increasingly in demand, the need arose to modernise the infrastructure. The runway was lengthened and strengthened to accommodate larger long-haul aircraft, and the passenger terminal was gradually expanded to cope with the increasing passenger traffic.

A key moment in the modern history of Fascene Airport was 2016, when the management of the air harbour, along with the capital's airport in Antananarivo, was transferred to the Ravinala Airports consortium. This event marked the beginning of the most large-scale reconstruction and modernisation in the airport's history. Under the programme, the terminal, security systems, and navigation equipment were updated. The main goal was to bring the airport into full compliance with international ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards and improve the quality of passenger service.

Today, the main achievement of Fascene Airport can be considered its status as the second most important air gateway of Madagascar and a key transport hub for the country's entire tourism industry. Its ability to receive direct flights from Europe makes Nosy Be one of the most accessible island resorts in the Indian Ocean. An interesting fact is that the airport received its name "Fascene" from the locality in which it is situated. For most tourists, it is with the landing at this cosy airport, surrounded by tropical greenery, that an unforgettable Malagasy adventure begins.

Fascene Airport (NOS), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for departure or arrival on the island of Nosy Be. The terminal infrastructure is designed so that travellers can easily orient themselves and find everything they need.

For those feeling hungry, the airport has several cafes and refreshment areas where you can have a snack, coffee, or soft drinks. In the shops, you can purchase travel essentials, as well as local souvenirs, spices, local delicacies, and textiles to take a piece of Madagascar home with you. Travellers preferring more comfortable conditions can use the services of the VIP lounge, offering a secluded atmosphere, snacks, and beverages.

Currency exchange points and ATMs are available in the terminal, which is particularly convenient for arriving tourists. To contact loved ones or handle work matters, you can use the Wi-Fi, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets. In case of feeling unwell, there is a medical point at the airport where first aid will be provided.

The airport also cares for passengers with special needs. For travellers with reduced mobility, assistance is provided in moving around the terminal, and a mother and child room is equipped for families with small children. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but many hotels and lodges are located a few minutes' drive away. Specialised business centres and conference halls are not provided at the airport; these services are best sought in major hotels on the island.

When planning a snack at Fascene Airport (NOS) on Nosy Be island, it is important to understand that this is a small and cosy regional airport. The choice of establishments here is limited but quite sufficient to have a bite before departure or upon arrival.

The main dining options consist of several small cafes and refreshment areas located both in the general hall before passport control (landside) and in the departure zone after it (airside). Usually, the selection in the departure zone is slightly more modest. There is no separation into terminals; everything is located in one building.

For a quick snack, you will easily find sandwiches, pastries such as croissants, crisps, and chocolate. If you are looking for something more substantial, one of the cafes may offer simple hot dishes, for example, pizza or a basic rice dish. Do not expect an extensive restaurant menu, but it may be sufficient for a wholesome lunch. For a taste of local flavour, you might want to try popular local beverages.

Specialised menus for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance are unlikely to be available here. However, you can always check the ingredients of dishes on the spot. For vegetarians, the simplest option might be meat-free pastries or a salad, if available. Travellers with strict dietary requirements are advised to carry their own snacks. If you require Halal options, please verify with the staff, though sticking to vegetarian or seafood options is often the safest choice.

Prices at Fascene Airport, as in most airports around the world, are noticeably higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are directly linked to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before departure and stop working shortly after the last plane leaves. Therefore, if you have a night flight, it is better to eat in advance.

Travelling through Fascene Airport (NOS) on the island of Nosy Be will be your first or last impression of this paradise corner of Madagascar. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips which will help you orient yourself in this small but lively tropical airport.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 2 hours. Fascene Airport is small, but during peak seasons, queues for check-in and screening can be long. Processes here may not be as fast as in major hubs, so allowing extra time is beneficial.

Security Control and Seat Selection. Security services work thoroughly; be ready to present all necessary documents. When choosing a seat on the plane, if possible, take a window seat. The views of coral reefs and the lush greenery of the island during take-off and landing are simply unforgettable.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Standard rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in containers, with a total volume of up to 1 litre) apply here as well. Pay special attention to the export of local souvenirs. Special permits may be required to export items made of precious wood, gemstones, and large quantities of vanilla. It is strictly forbidden to export representatives of local flora and fauna without documents, including shells and corals.

Customs Control. Upon entering the country, you may be asked to fill out a customs declaration and declare imported currency if the amount exceeds the established limit. Upon departure, be prepared for a luggage check regarding the illegal export of natural resources. Keep receipts for all major purchases, especially for jewellery and souvenirs.

Transit Passengers and Flight Delays. If you have a transfer at Fascene, check with your airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. In case of a flight delay, keep in mind that airport infrastructure is limited. There is a small cafe and souvenir shops, but the choice of entertainment is small. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, and drinking water with you. Airline representatives will provide information on the flight status.

Tips for Saving. To save time and money, arrange a transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance. Taxi prices directly at the airport can be inflated. It is also useful to have a small amount of local currency (Malagasy Ariary) for small expenses, as cards are not accepted everywhere.