International connectivity to Madagascar is on the up, with Emirates launching flights to the island from September 3.
The four-weekly flights between Dubai and Antananarivo will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles.
The route will be served by a Boeing 777-300ER, offering eight first-class suites, 42 business-class seats and 310 seats in economy.
Emirates’ Deputy President and CCO Adnan Kazim said Madagascar had been historically 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’re 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,” said Kazim.
Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 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, and also offer travellers the opportunity to craft itineraries incorporating both island destinations.
The flight will depart from Dubai to the Seychelles at 08:55, arriving in Mahé at 13:35, before continuing onwards to Antananarivo, landing at 16:50. The return flight departs Antananarivo at 18:35, landing in Mahé at 22:20 and returning to Dubai at 04:20 the next day.
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 one million tourists by 2028.
Emirates’ new route will provide connectivity from over 140 points in its global network, supporting the Madagascan Ministry of Tourism’s strategy to diversify target markets and introduce international travellers to the island’s many natural attractions. Emirates is also in discussion with Air Madagascar to offer further global connectivity to promote tourism and trade.
Our agreement between the UAE and Madagascar 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,” said Manambahoaka Valéry Ramonjavelo, Madagascar’s Minister of Transport and Meteorology.
“It will also introduce the whole world to the incredible touristic and cultural treasures of Madagascar, while also creating opportunities for new business streams,” Ramonjavelo added.
The UAE and Madagascar have grown their bilateral relationship across a number of sectors, including commercial, logistics and other industries to reinforce the growth of mutual trade. With the launch of the passenger flight, the airline’s cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, will support this by exporting goods via its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, into key markets such as the UAE, China, Indonesia, the United States and France, among others.
