Emirates Lands in Antananarivo, Madagascar for the First Time, Strengthening Global Connections

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has officially touched down in Antananarivo, Madagascar, marking its inaugural flight to the island nation. The arrival of flight EK707 was greeted with a grand water cannon salute at Ivato International Airport, followed by an exclusive VIP event attended by key government officials, media, and industry leaders.

His Excellency, Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, along with the First Lady, personally welcomed the Emirates delegation. Leading the group were Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, and other senior executives from Emirates, alongside international media representatives. The inaugural flight strengthens ties between the UAE and Madagascar, fostering opportunities for enhanced travel and trade.

Commanding the historic flight were Captain Bruce Pope from Canada and First Officer Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot with over 14 years of service at Emirates. The Boeing 777-300ER, configured in three classes—First, Business, and Economy—arrived from Mahe, Seychelles, offering nearly full capacity on its maiden journey.

Following the welcoming ceremony, Emirates representatives showcased the aircraft’s luxurious features, including eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 310 spacious Economy Class seats. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for international travel to and from Madagascar.

Enhanced Flight Services

Flight EK707 departs from Dubai, arriving in Mahe before continuing to Antananarivo. The return flight, EK708, follows a similar route, operating four times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The schedule is designed to streamline connections to key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, making Madagascar more accessible to global travelers.

Flying Better with Emirates

Emirates promises an exceptional travel experience, with regionally inspired multi-course menus curated by award-winning chefs, available in every class. During the inaugural flight’s Mahe-Antananarivo leg, First and Business Class passengers enjoyed tropical fruit plates featuring local produce and a special Vanilla Mojito inspired by Madagascar’s famed vanilla.

Emirates is the only airline offering three classes of travel to Madagascar, providing First Class passengers with private suites, gourmet dining, and premium beverages. All passengers can enjoy Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment platform, ice, offering over 6,500 channels of content, including French-dubbed Hollywood movies and French originals.

Madagascar: A Unique Destination

As the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is a treasure trove of biodiversity and adventure. Home to rare species and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the island offers stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unparalleled wildlife experiences. Madagascar also promotes ecotourism, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in nature while respecting the environment.