Emirates Launches First Direct Flights from Dubai to Madagascar

Emirates has officially launched its inaugural flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The milestone flight, EK 707, arrived in Antananarivo on September 4, 2024, and was met with a water cannon salute, marking the beginning of a new era of connectivity between Dubai and Madagascar.

The arrival of the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER was celebrated with a special event attended by high-profile guests, including Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina and the First Lady. Other notable politicians and VIPs were also present to commemorate the occasion.

A special highlight of the inaugural flight was the presence of First Officer Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot who has been flying with Emirates for 14 years. His participation in the flight added a personal touch to the celebration, symbolizing the connection between the airline and the local Malagasy community.

The new service offers a premium flying experience across three classes. Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER features eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class, and 310 seats in economy class, catering to various traveler preferences.

“Madagascar is a new and exciting destination on our vast global network, unlocking a world of natural wonders, rare and diverse wildlife, and a rich, vibrant culture,” said Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim. “As the Malagasy government continues to grow its tourism industry with the goal of attracting one million tourists by 2028, we proudly support this vision by enhancing connectivity and premium travel options to encourage more international travelers to discover the island.”

Emirates’ new service between Dubai and Antananarivo, with a stopover in the Seychelles, is expected to significantly boost tourism and international travel to Madagascar. The airline aims to provide greater accessibility to the island, known for its unique wildlife and cultural heritage.

The flight operates four times a week—on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—on the following schedule:

• EK707 departs Dubai at 08:55, arrives in Mahe, Seychelles, at 13:35, and continues to Antananarivo, landing at 16:50.
• EK708 departs Antananarivo at 18:35, arrives in Mahe at 22:20, and departs from Mahe at 23:50, landing back in Dubai at 04:20 the following day.

This new route is expected to strengthen tourism and trade ties between Madagascar and the UAE while offering travelers from around the world a convenient way to explore Madagascar’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. The addition of this route aligns with Madagascar’s ambition to increase tourist arrivals and bolster its economy by 2028.

With its world-class services and focus on luxury travel, Emirates’ new Madagascar route is set to enhance the island’s appeal as a destination, offering seamless connections to its global network.