emirates7 - Emirates launched its inaugural flights to Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, on Tuesday.
A senior delegation from the Dubai-based airline was on board, including Adnan Kazim, the Chief Commercial Officer, and Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Gulf, Middle East, and Central Asia.
Flight EK707 departed from Dubai International’s Terminal 3 at 7:40 am local time and landed at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo at 2:30 pm local time, following a 90-minute layover at Seychelles International Airport.
Antananarivo is now the latest addition to Emirates' destinations in the Indian Ocean, joining cities in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Madagascar, known for its three UNESCO World Heritage sites and growing eco-tourism sector, offers a diverse landscape that includes rainforests, national parks, beaches, and atolls.
The new route will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using a Boeing 777-300, which offers first, business, and economy-class cabins with a capacity of up to 360 passengers. Return flights will depart at 6:35 pm local time, arriving in Dubai at 4:20 am the next day. According to Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, this new route symbolizes the strengthening relationship between the UAE and the island nation.
“This relationship has truly materialized,” President Rajoelina remarked at the launch event. “Through our joint efforts, we’ve made this a reality. This marks a historic moment that will boost tourism and economic development in our country. Emirates will now connect Madagascar to the world, accelerating our country's development and increasing tourist numbers. Already, many large hotel chains are looking to invest here because of Emirates’ presence.
“Madagascar possesses significant natural resources that need to be exported. Our island is rich in treasures, and we must now focus on developing these resources to hasten our nation's growth.”
With the Malagasy government's goal of attracting one million tourists by 2028, Kazim highlighted the potential of the Emirates service to draw visitors to this unique destination. “Madagascar is an exciting new addition to our extensive global network, offering travelers the chance to discover its natural wonders, rare wildlife, and vibrant culture,” he said.
In addition to passengers, each flight can carry up to 22 tonnes of cargo, which Kazim noted will be beneficial for the business communities in both Madagascar and the UAE. “This route offers substantial opportunities for exporting fruits, vegetables, textiles, and vanilla,” he added. “We see this as just the beginning of a fruitful journey between Madagascar and the UAE.”
For Captain Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot with Emirates for 14 years, piloting the flight to his home country was a dream come true. “Today’s flight is truly special. After years of flying near Madagascar, finally being able to fly home is an unforgettable experience," he shared.
The launch in Antananarivo follows Emirates' expansion of its South American network in June with daily flights from Dubai to Bogotá, Colombia. The airline also resumed daily flights to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, via Singapore, in May, and plans to add five additional flights to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires starting December 7.
A senior delegation from the Dubai-based airline was on board, including Adnan Kazim, the Chief Commercial Officer, and Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Gulf, Middle East, and Central Asia.
Flight EK707 departed from Dubai International’s Terminal 3 at 7:40 am local time and landed at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo at 2:30 pm local time, following a 90-minute layover at Seychelles International Airport.
Antananarivo is now the latest addition to Emirates' destinations in the Indian Ocean, joining cities in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Madagascar, known for its three UNESCO World Heritage sites and growing eco-tourism sector, offers a diverse landscape that includes rainforests, national parks, beaches, and atolls.
The new route will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using a Boeing 777-300, which offers first, business, and economy-class cabins with a capacity of up to 360 passengers. Return flights will depart at 6:35 pm local time, arriving in Dubai at 4:20 am the next day. According to Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, this new route symbolizes the strengthening relationship between the UAE and the island nation.
“This relationship has truly materialized,” President Rajoelina remarked at the launch event. “Through our joint efforts, we’ve made this a reality. This marks a historic moment that will boost tourism and economic development in our country. Emirates will now connect Madagascar to the world, accelerating our country's development and increasing tourist numbers. Already, many large hotel chains are looking to invest here because of Emirates’ presence.
“Madagascar possesses significant natural resources that need to be exported. Our island is rich in treasures, and we must now focus on developing these resources to hasten our nation's growth.”
With the Malagasy government's goal of attracting one million tourists by 2028, Kazim highlighted the potential of the Emirates service to draw visitors to this unique destination. “Madagascar is an exciting new addition to our extensive global network, offering travelers the chance to discover its natural wonders, rare wildlife, and vibrant culture,” he said.
In addition to passengers, each flight can carry up to 22 tonnes of cargo, which Kazim noted will be beneficial for the business communities in both Madagascar and the UAE. “This route offers substantial opportunities for exporting fruits, vegetables, textiles, and vanilla,” he added. “We see this as just the beginning of a fruitful journey between Madagascar and the UAE.”
For Captain Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot with Emirates for 14 years, piloting the flight to his home country was a dream come true. “Today’s flight is truly special. After years of flying near Madagascar, finally being able to fly home is an unforgettable experience," he shared.
The launch in Antananarivo follows Emirates' expansion of its South American network in June with daily flights from Dubai to Bogotá, Colombia. The airline also resumed daily flights to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, via Singapore, in May, and plans to add five additional flights to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires starting December 7.