On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Emirates, the world’s leading international airline, made its inaugural landing in Antananarivo, Madagascar. This historic event marks a significant milestone for the island nation, opening new avenues for tourism and economic growth. The arrival of flight EK707 was met with a traditional water cannon salute at Ivato International Airport, followed by an exclusive event that brought together dignitaries, industry leaders, and the media.
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, accompanied by the First Lady, welcomed the Emirates delegation led by Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, along with senior executives Adil Al Ghaith, Badr Abbas, and Sami Aqil Abdullah, as well as members of the international media. The presence of prominent figures like Mohammad Lootah, CEO of Dubai Chambers, His Excellency Jamal Al Hai of Dubai Airports, and Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shangeti from the Airport Passport Sector underscored the strong ties between the UAE and Madagascar. The historic flight to Antananarivo was piloted by Canadian Captain Bruce Pope and First Officer Solo Chuk, a seasoned Malagasy pilot who has flown with Emirates for over 14 years.
The nearly full passenger load from Mahe, Seychelles, reflected the strong demand for the new route. This innovative route provides enhanced travel flexibility, combining two destinations in one journey. Following the ceremonial welcome, President Rajoelina, accompanied by dignitaries and industry representatives, toured the Boeing 777-300ER, which will serve the route. The aircraft boasts a three-class configuration, including eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 310 seats in Economy Class.
President Rajoelina emphasized the significance of this moment: “In just four months, through shared determination and hard work, we have successfully launched this long-awaited inaugural flight between Dubai and Antananarivo with Emirates. This is a historic moment for Madagascar, and I am convinced that it will act as a catalyst and a true lever for tourism and economic development in our country. Madagascar opens its skies to Emirates, and through Emirates, Madagascar opens itself to the world. Together, let’s continue to dream, build, and grow for the good of our nation.”
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, echoed the sentiment: “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. As the Malagasy government continues to grow its tourism industry with the aim to attract 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’ commitment to providing a superior travel experience is evident in its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offering over 6,500 channels of content in multiple languages. French-speaking passengers can enjoy Hollywood blockbusters dubbed in French, as well as iconic French films, while music enthusiasts can tune into popular French artists. The airline also provides regionally inspired multi-course meals curated by award-winning chefs, available complimentary in every class.
With its rich biodiversity, rare species, and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Madagascar offers an extraordinary adventure for travelers seeking something unique. Visitors can expect breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and incredible wildlife encounters. Committed to preserving its natural heritage, Madagascar encourages ecotourism, allowing visitors to experience the country’s beauty while supporting sustainable practices and respecting the local environment.
Flight EK707 departs Dubai at 08:55 hrs, arriving in Mahe at 13:35 hrs, before continuing to Antananarivo to land at 16:50 hrs. The return flight, EK708, leaves Antananarivo at 18:35 hrs, stopping in Mahe before arriving in Dubai the following morning at 04:20 hrs. The four-weekly service is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with connections optimized for travelers from Europe, the Far East, West Asia, and the Middle East.
This new route represents a significant step forward for Madagascar’s tourism industry, promising to unlock the island’s potential and attract more visitors to experience its unique beauty and cultural heritage. With its commitment to providing a premium travel experience, Emirates is poised to play a key role in driving this growth and showcasing Madagascar to the world.
