Starting April 2, 2025, Emirates will expand its operations to Madagascar by increasing weekly flights from four to six. This move follows the successful launch of its services to the island nation in September 2024. The expansion aligns with the airline’s efforts to support Madagascar’s tourism goals and enhance its global accessibility.
Since Emirates began flights to Madagascar, passenger demand between Antananarivo and Dubai has grown significantly. The existing four weekly flights have been operating at near full capacity, highlighting the need for additional services. The increase in flights will provide greater convenience and options for travelers visiting Madagascar, an increasingly popular Indian Ocean destination.
The expanded schedule, announced during a press conference in Antananarivo by Emirates and Madagascar’s Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Tourism, also reflects the airline’s commitment to supporting the nation’s tourism industry. Emirates Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for West Asia and Indian Ocean, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, remarked, “We are pleased to boost our services to Madagascar by offering two additional flights per week in line with soaring demand for travel since the start of operations. Our growing flight schedule to the island means better connectivity, more choice and convenient options for travelers.”
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Strengthening Tourism and Trade
The new flight frequency will further enhance economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Madagascar. Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft, operating the route, provides increased cargo capacity, allowing up to 20 tonnes of goods per flight in its bellyhold. This additional capacity will bolster trade and support local businesses while accommodating rising demand for leisure and business travel to and from Madagascar.
Madagascar’s Minister of Transport and Meteorology, Dr. Manambahoaka Valéry F. Ramonjavelo, highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “Since February 2024, we have accelerated the strengthening of trust between the United Arab Emirates and Madagascar, and the air connectivity provided by Emirates contributes to these ties being built between our two countries. The increase to six weekly frequencies by Emirates is a strong signal of confidence in the country.”
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The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Viviane Dewa, also expressed optimism, saying, “The arrival of Emirates, with direct flights to Madagascar, has been a breath of fresh air for our tourism sector. This flight has connected our island to over 140 destinations worldwide, thereby opening up new opportunities for the promotion of Madagascar as a destination.”
Promoting Madagascar as a Destination
Emirates has actively supported Madagascar’s tourism agenda by promoting the island as a top leisure destination. It has partnered with global tour operators and conducted familiarization trips for 32 of its top travel agencies to showcase Madagascar’s unique attractions. Known for its vibrant biodiversity and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Madagascar continues to attract visitors from key markets, including the UAE, France, Sri Lanka, Japan, and China.
The updated schedule, which connects Dubai and Antananarivo via Mahe, operates on all days except Mondays. Emirates is committed to facilitating smoother air transport while strengthening partnerships to help Madagascar achieve its goal of attracting one million tourists by 2028.