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Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft
Emirates Enhances Madagascar Routes
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Following the launch of flights to Madagascar in September 2024, Emirates will increase its schedule from four to six weekly services starting on April 2, 2025. This expansion underlines Emirates’ commitment to supporting Madagascar's tourism goals by accommodating more leisure visitors and promoting the island destination to global audiences.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Antananarivo, which included representatives from Madagascar's Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Tourism, and Emirates.
Since the service began last year, Emirates has experienced significant demand for passenger flights between Antananarivo and Dubai. Currently, the four weekly flights are operating at nearly full capacity. The increase in flights will enhance the number of available seats on this route, aiding Madagascar’s efforts to boost visitor arrivals while providing travellers with more options and convenience for planning their trips to and from this popular Indian Ocean destination.
Announcing the expansion of Emirates’ services to the island at the press conference, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for West Asia and Indian Ocean, said: “We are pleased to boost our services to Madagascar by offering two additional flights per week in line with soaring demand for travel since the start of operations. Our growing flight schedule to the island means better connectivity, more choice and convenient options for travellers. Enhancing services will also strengthen the economic ties between Madagascar and the UAE, by supporting more inbound and outbound leisure and business travel to the island and bolstering trade lanes with additional cargo capacity. As tourism to Madagascar flourishes, local businesses thrive, generating a ripple effect that benefits the local communities. We would like to thank the authorities, the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Tourism for their support, and we look forward to strengthening our connections and supporting the nation’s development as it looks towards the future.”
To meet seasonal demand, Emirates temporarily increased its services from four to five weekly flights. The new frequency represents a significant boost to its operations and capacity on the route.
“We have been diligently supporting the country’s tourism agenda by promoting the destination across our network, which is evident from the healthy bookings, and we will make every effort to continue raising awareness around the vibrant island’s unique charm and stunning natural landscapes to support sustainable traffic growth,” added Ahmad.
The expanded schedule between Dubai and Antananarivo, linked via Mahe, will operate on all days except Mondays.
Flights EK707 and EK708 are scheduled to operate as follows (all times are local):
Flight |
Departure |
Arrival |
Day |
EK707 (DXB/SEZ) |
08:55 |
13:35 | Daily |
EK707 (SEZ/TNR) |
15:05 |
16:50 | All days except Mondays |
EK708 (TNR/SEZ) |
18:35 |
22:20 | All days except Mondays |
EK708 (SEZ/DXB) |
23:50 |
04:20 (next day) | All days except Mondays |
EK708 (SEZ/DXB) |
21:45 |
02:15 (next day) | On Mondays |
Tickets can be booked immediately at emirates.com, in Emirates World retail stores, via the Emirates App, and through travel agencies. Holiday packages can also be booked through Emirates Holidays and other tour operators globally.
Highlighting the importance of Emirates’ additional flights to Madagascar, His Excellency Dr Manambahoaka Valéry F. Ramonjavelo, Minister of Transport and Meteorology, said: “Since February 2024, we have accelerated the strengthening of trust between the United Arab Emirates and Madagascar, and the air connectivity provided by Emirates contributes to these ties being built between our two countries. The increase to six weekly frequencies by Emirates is a strong signal of confidence in the country, particularly in the tourism destination of the Great Island. We are on the right path to achieving more than one daily flight.”
Madagascar’s Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Viviane Dewa added: “The arrival of Emirates, with direct flights to Madagascar, has been a breath of fresh air for our tourism sector. This flight has connected our island to over 140 destinations worldwide, thereby opening up new opportunities for the promotion of Madagascar as a destination. Our ambitious target of reaching one million tourists by 2028 will be significantly supported by the continued improvement of air connectivity, particularly through major hubs such as Dubai, and by collaborating with renowned airlines such as Emirates. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of Madagascar, we look forward to further strengthening the partnership with Emirates to provide smoother air transport and welcoming more international tourists, thereby contributing to the growth of our tourism sector.”
Emirates has actively supported Madagascar’s tourism agenda by promoting the island as a premier leisure destination to its global network of tour operators. This initiative has included organizing familiarization trips for 32 top travel agencies from major markets to visit the island. Madagascar boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites and is renowned for its rich biodiversity.
In recent months, there has been strong demand for travel to Madagascar from the UAE, Sri Lanka, France, the UK, mainland China, Japan, Spain, and Italy. Travellers from Madagascar primarily visit Dubai, Emirates' hub city, as well as destinations such as Seychelles, France, India, Sri Lanka, Italy, and Japan.
Emirates' increased services to Madagascar have enhanced its operations. Flights operated by Boeing 777 aircraft offer additional cargo capacity for imports and exports. Each aircraft can accommodate up to 20 tonnes of cargo in its belly hold per flight.