Emirates Airline, the world’s largest international carrier, has announced the resumption of flights to Madagascar (TNR) following a temporary suspension prompted by civil unrest earlier this year.

In a travel advisory issued on Tuesday, October 21, the Dubai-based airline confirmed that it will restart its Dubai–Antananarivo service on Thursday, October 23. The reinstated route, operated as EK707 and EK708, will reconnect Madagascar with the Middle East via a stopover in Seychelles (SEZ).

The service will run from Tuesday to Sunday each week, maintaining critical air links between Dubai International Airport (DXB), Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), and Antananarivo’s Ivato International Airport (TNR).

Emirates said all affected passengers are now eligible to resume travel and may rebook their tickets on available flights. Customers whose journeys were disrupted by earlier cancellations are encouraged to contact their travel agency or reach out directly to the airline. Those who booked online can update their contact details through the Manage Your Booking portal to receive flight updates.

The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring conditions in Madagascar. “Passenger safety and operational stability remain our top priorities across the African network,” the statement read.

Madagascar serves as an important regional hub in Emirates’ Indian Ocean portfolio, which also includes Mauritius (MRU) and Seychelles (SEZ). The Dubai–Antananarivo route supports both tourism and trade, facilitating the movement of passengers and cargo between Africa and the Middle East.

The island nation of Madagascar offers remarkable contrasts—from tropical rainforests and misty highlands to arid plains and baobab-studded coasts. Visitors often begin their journey in the capital, Antananarivo, before exploring destinations such as Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to the famed indri lemur, or the photogenic Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava.

Travelers should note that road conditions can be challenging and distances deceiving. Hiring a local driver is recommended, while domestic flights operated by Air Madagascar and Tsaradia can reduce travel times between key cities.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, ideal for wildlife viewing and trekking. Cyclones are common between January and April, particularly along the coast.

Madagascar’s cuisine blends Malagasy, French, and Asian influences, with highlights including romazava (zebu stew) and coastal seafood dishes such as crab and octopus.

Visitors are advised to respect local customs, known as fady, which vary by region. A polite greeting or small gesture of respect goes a long way in rural communities.

Tourists can obtain visas on arrival at Ivato International Airport for stays of up to 60 days. Cash remains essential outside major cities, with limited ATM access and credit card acceptance largely confined to upscale establishments.

As flights resume, Emirates’ return to Madagascar marks a significant boost for tourism and connectivity in the Indian Ocean region.

Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced the implementation of the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement, marking a major step in strengthening connectivity under Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy.

The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023 and enables the two airlines to expand travel options for domestic and international passengers.

As part of the first phase, Riyadh Air has established a connection with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), allowing the carriers to implement their codeshare across their respective technology platforms.

Under the RX-SV codeshare, Riyadh Air will place its “RX” designator on selected Saudia-operated flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to six domestic destinations: Abha, Al Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina and Tabuk.

The agreement will give Riyadh Air passengers access to additional destinations worldwide through convenient connections in Riyadh. For example, travelers from Dammam can connect via Riyadh to Madrid on a single ticket, while passengers flying from Kuala Lumpur can connect through Riyadh to Medina.

By using Saudia’s frequent services between Riyadh and the six codeshare destinations, Riyadh Air will offer passengers more convenient connections aligned with the arrival and departure schedules of its flights at Riyadh.

Both airlines operate within the King Khalid International Airport Terminal 1-4 complex, enabling passengers to benefit from streamlined connections, single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage to their final destinations.

The first phase represents a significant step toward deeper cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s two national carriers and supports the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to expand its global aviation network.

Source: aaco.org

SalamAir has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion and strengthening direct international connectivity from Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

The new Salalah-based operation will initially serve three international destinations: Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Chattogram in Bangladesh and Calicut in India. Bookings opened on August 26, with flights scheduled to begin from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.

The base follows SalamAir’s expanded operations during the 2026 Khareef season, when the airline increased capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route to as many as 15 daily flights during peak periods.

The airline also introduced special domestic fares for Omani nationals, with one-way tickets starting from OMR 9.99, supporting affordable travel between Muscat and Salalah.

The new base is expected to extend SalamAir’s role beyond the Khareef season by supporting year-round travel demand among residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while offering more direct access to key regional and international destinations.

Operations from Salalah will be supported by SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft, providing additional flexibility to support growing demand across its network.

During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter flights linking Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia.

The Salalah base forms part of SalamAir’s wider strategy to expand its network from key airports across Oman, develop underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand while supporting the growth of the Sultanate’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Source: ZAWYA