Emirates Airlines, the world's largest international airline, landed in Antananarivo for the first time on September 4, 2024, opening a direct air link between Dubai and the Malagasy capital. Flight EK707 touched down at Ivato International Airport to a water cannon salute, marking what both governments described as a new era in UAE-Madagascar relations.
Inaugural Ceremony Draws Senior Officials
The arrival was attended by His Excellency Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, and his First Lady, who welcomed an Emirates delegation led by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. Also present were Mohammad Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shangeti, General Director Assistant of the Airport Passport Sector.
The commanding crew of the historic flight included Canadian national Captain Bruce Pope alongside Captain Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot who has been flying for Emirates for 14 years — a detail that resonated strongly with local attendees.
Route Details: Dubai–Seychelles–Antananarivo
The Emirates Antananarivo service operates four times weekly — on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday — aboard a Boeing 777-300ER in a three-class configuration featuring 8 First Class private suites, 42 Business Class lie-flat seats, and 310 Economy seats.
Flight EK707 departs Dubai at 0855hrs, calls at Mahe in the Seychelles at 1335hrs, and arrives in Antananarivo at 1650hrs. The return service, EK708, departs Antananarivo at 1835hrs and reaches Dubai at 0420hrs the following morning.
The schedule is designed to provide convenient onward connections to major destinations across Europe, the Far East, West Asia, and the Middle East through Emirates' Dubai hub.
Madagascar Eyes One Million Tourists by 2028
President Rajoelina used the occasion to signal Madagascar's broader aviation and tourism ambitions. "Madagascar gave Emirates the permission to fly over the country and, in so doing, Madagascar gave the world permission to fly over it," he said.
The new route forms part of Madagascar's strategy to increase annual tourist arrivals to one million by 2028. Emirates is the only airline currently offering three classes of service to the destination, a competitive advantage that the Malagasy government expects will significantly improve travel options for international visitors.
Passenger Experience and Connectivity
Passengers on the Dubai–Antananarivo route enjoy regionally inspired in-flight catering across all three cabins, complemented by Emirates' award-winning entertainment system. First Class travelers receive à la carte dining and premium beverages in private suites.
Beyond the service on board, the new link gives travelers from over 140 points in Emirates' global network seamless access to Madagascar's renowned biodiversity — the island's unique flora and fauna, historical sites, and cultural heritage — that few direct routes previously served.
The launch of Antananarivo makes it Emirates' fifth destination in the Indian Ocean region, reflecting the airline's continued investment in connecting underserved markets to its global network. Since the inaugural flight, demand has been strong enough for Emirates to subsequently boost the route from four to six weekly frequencies starting April 2025.
