Emirates announces the launch, from September 3, of its flights to Madagascar. The new service introduces vital connectivity unlocking Madagascar’s tourism and commercial potential, underlines the airline which plans to operate four flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR), in passing through the Seychelles. A Boeing 777-300ER will operate the Dubai-Antananarivo route. The aircraft has 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats and 310 Economy seats.
According to details, flight schedules have been timed to optimize connections to and from key points in Europe, Far East, West Asia and Middle East/GCC. Thus, the aircraft will depart from Dubai to the Seychelles at 8:55 a.m., arrive in Mahé at 1:35 p.m., and continue to Antananarivo to land at 4:50 p.m. The return flight leaves Antananarivo at 6:35 p.m. and lands on Mahé at 10:20 p.m. The flight then takes off from Mahe at 11:50 p.m. to Dubai and lands at 4:20 a.m. the next day.
With tourism being a key pillar of the Malagasy economy and contributing to the creation of thousands of job opportunities, Emirates’ new route is expected to provide connectivity from more than 140 points across its global network, in support of Ministry of Tourism and Crafts, it is indicated. Note that this ministerial department aims to diversify target markets and introduce international travelers to the island’s many natural attractions. We also learn that Emirates is in discussions with Madagascar Airlines to offer more global connectivity to promote tourism and trade.
According to Adnan Kazim, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, “Madagascar has historically been underserved, despite travelers’ growing appetite for authentic ecotourism experiences. Emirates understands the importance of offering its customers efficient connectivity and premium travel experiences and we are confident that this new service will have a positive impact on strengthening Madagascar’s connectivity, providing more opportunities for travelers to discover the hidden gem that is Madagascar, in addition to opening up new international business opportunities,” he said.
For his part, the Minister of Transport and Meteorology, Valéry Ramonjavelo, made it clear that the agreement with the United Arab Emirates opens
the way for this new Antananarivo-Dubai road and represents a significant step forward for the development of tourism and trade between the two countries. “This is extremely positive news in more ways than one, because it opens a new door between Madagascar and the world, through the Dubai hub, the largest international hub in terms of number of passengers. IIt will also introduce the world to the incredible tourist and cultural treasures of Madagascar, while creating opportunities for new commercial flows. The combination of our national airline and this new Emirates route will strengthen the connectivity of our regions,” he adds.
For the Madagascar Tourism Confederation, whose improvement of the air transport offer is one of the pillars of its Road Map, the arrival of Emirates will boost tourism development in Madagascar.