Emirates has launched its inaugural flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Flight EK 707 arrived in Antananarivo on September 4, 2024, where the B777-300ER aircraft was greeted by a water cannon salute.
The Emirates delegation was welcomed with an event attended by the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina and the First Lady, among other noted politicians and VIPs.
One of the pilots who flew the inaugural flight was First Officer Solo Chuk, a Malagasy (Madagascar national) pilot who has been flying for Emirates for 14 years.
The service offers three classes, featuring eight private suites in first class, 42 lie flat seats in business class and 310 seats in economy class.
“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,” Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said in a statement.
“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,” Kazim added.
The Dubai to Antananarivo flights (via the Seychelles) operates on the following schedules:
- EK707 departs Dubai 08:55 , arriving in Mahe at 13:35, and continues to Antananarivo to land at 16:50
- EK708 departs Antananarivo at 18:35, landing in Mahe at 22:20, departs from Mahe at 23:50 to Dubai, landing at 04:20 the following day.
The four times-weekly service operates on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.