Antsiranana/Arrachart

Overview

Arrachart Airport is the main air gateway for Antisiranana, the northern port city also known as Diego Suarez, in Madagascar. Identified by IATA code DIE and ICAO code FMNA, it is classified as a medium airport and handles the practical role you would expect from a regional hub: getting travelers into the far north of the island efficiently and without fuss. For most visitors, the airport is less about long layovers and more about quick onward movement to the city, nearby beaches, and the dramatic landscapes around Amber Mountain and the Emerald Sea.

Airport essentials

• Official name: Arrachart Airport
• Location served: Antisiranana, Madagascar
• Airport type: medium airport
• Elevation: 374 ft (114 m)
• Runway: 13/31, 4,921 ft, asphalt, lighted
• Time zone: Indian/Antananarivo

What travelers should know

The single lighted asphalt runway, aligned 13/31, is 4,921 feet long, which suits the airport’s regional role and generally points to a compact, easy-to-navigate travel experience rather than a sprawling international complex. That smaller scale can be an advantage after arrival, especially if you want to get on the road quickly. Because services at airports in smaller destinations can be more limited than at major global hubs, it is wise to keep essentials close at hand, confirm transport before landing when possible, and allow a little flexibility in your schedule.

Why it matters for your trip

For many travelers, Arrachart Airport is the first practical step into one of Madagascar’s most distinctive regions. Antisiranana is known for its bay, colonial-era character, and access to nature and coastal excursions, so the airport functions as a convenient starting point for both urban stays and outdoor travel. If you are planning a northern Madagascar itinerary, knowing the airport’s codes, runway profile, and local time zone in advance can make connections, pickups, and day-one planning much smoother.