Travel alert: Emirates cancels Antananarivo routes from Dubai and Seychelles
Madagascar government imposes nighttime curfew following violent protests
DUBAI – Emirates has announced temporary cancellations on its Madagascar routes this week as unrest grips the island nation.
The Dubai-based carrier confirmed on Monday that services to Antananarivo from Dubai International Airport and the Seychelles will not operate on Tuesday, 30 September, and Wednesday, 1 October.
The decision comes after widespread protests in Madagascar forced the government to impose a nighttime curfew in the capital.
Affected flights
The cancellations impact Emirates services EK707 and EK708. Flights between Dubai and Antananarivo scheduled for 30 September and 1 October have been suspended, alongside connections between Seychelles and Madagascar on the same dates. Passengers travelling through Dubai with Antananarivo as their final destination will also not be accepted for boarding at their point of origin until further notice.
Normal services between Dubai, Seychelles, and Antananarivo are usually operated from Tuesday to Sunday each week. At present, flights from Thursday, 2 October, onwards remain scheduled as planned.
What passengers need to know
Emirates has advised customers affected by the suspension to contact their travel agency or reach out directly to the airline for rebooking options. Passengers are also encouraged to verify their contact information through the Manage Your Booking portal to ensure they receive real-time updates.
The airline has apologised for the disruption and confirmed that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Madagascar.
Crisis in Madagascar
The government of Madagascar imposed a curfew from 7pm to 5am after violent protests erupted in Antananarivo last week. Demonstrators rallied against persistent water and electricity shortages, with reports of looting, arson, and attacks on political figures’ homes. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, while several cable car stations in the capital were set ablaze.
President Andry Rajoelina, re-elected last year amid opposition boycotts, faces mounting criticism as basic services continue to deteriorate. According to the World Bank, around 75 percent of Madagascar’s 30 million people lived below the poverty line in 2022.
Adding to travel concerns, Emirates will also enforce a ban on the use of power banks on all flights starting 1 October.