The airline says that its four-weekly flights between Dubai and Antananarivo will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles
Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates will launch flights to the East African island country of Madagascar from September 3, a move anticipated to drive inbound leisure and business travel to the country.
According to a press statement by Emirates, its four-weekly flights between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR) will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles.
Boosting international travel to and from Madagascar, the flight times have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points in Europe, the Far East, West Asia and the Middle East/GCC, the airline says.
It adds that EK707 will depart from Dubai to the Seychelles at 08:55, arriving in Mahé at 13:35 and will continue on to Antananarivo to land at 16:50. The return flight EK708 departs Antananarivo at 18:35, landing in Mahé at 22:20. The flight then takes off from Mahé at 23:50 to Dubai, landing at 04:20 the next day.
The airline says that flights will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Travellers wanting to combine two holidays in one also have the option to conveniently fly between the Seychelles and Madagascar in style and comfort.
Adnan Kazim
The statement says that tourism is a key pillar in Madagascar’s economy, contributing to the creation of thousands of employment opportunities that support the country’s goal to serve 1 million tourists by 2028. Emirates says it is also in discussion with Air Madagascar to offer further global connectivity to promote tourism and trade. The Dubai- Antananarivo route will be served by the Boeing 777-300ER, with eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats and 310 seats in Economy.
“Madagascar has historically been underserved, despite growing appetite from travellers for authentic ecotourism experiences. Emirates understands the importance of offering customers efficient connectivity and premium travel experiences and we are confident that this new service will have a positive impact on boosting Madagascar’s connectivity, offering more opportunities for travellers to discover the hidden gem that is Madagascar, in addition to opening new international business opportunities,” says Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.
“The Malagasy government is spearheading efforts to grow its tourism sector by enticing more tourists to experience the island’s renowned biodiversity and natural attractions. Emirates is ready to support Madagascar’s tourism agenda by helping bring visitors from around its network. We thank the Malagasy’s government for their partnership and support in establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard soon,” Kazim adds.
Manambahoaka Valéry Ramonjavelo
“Our agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Madagascar opens the way to this new Antananarivo-Dubai route and represents a significant step forward for the development of tourism and trade between the two countries. This is extremely positive news in more than one way, as it opens a new door between Madagascar and the world, through the Dubai hub, the biggest international hub in passenger numbers,” says Manambahoaka Valéry Ramonjavelo, Minister of Transports, and Meteorology, Madagascar.
“It will also introduce the whole world to the incredible touristic and cultural treasures of Madagascar, while also creating opportunities for new business streams. The association of our national airline combined with this new Emirates route it will strengthen connectivity for our regions,” Ramonjavelo adds.
Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, boasting stunning scenery from white sandy beaches and emerald waters, to lush rainforests and national parks and fossilised shells on limestone plateaus. Colloquially referred to as Treasure Island, it is home to three World Heritage UNESCO sites.
