Mauritius is set for a major tourism boost as Emirates announces a third daily direct flight from Dubai, starting December 1, 2025. This move, using the Boeing 777-300ER, is expected to increase seat capacity by over 30% and strengthen the island’s global connections. The expansion comes at a time when the Mauritian government and tourism industry are working hard to attract more visitors and support economic recovery.
Emirates Expands Service: What’s New and Why It Matters
Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, will add a third daily flight to Mauritius 🇲🇺 from its Dubai hub. This new service, operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, joins the airline’s two existing daily Airbus A380 flights. The A380 flights are currently the only ones offering First Class service to Mauritius, making Emirates a top choice for travelers seeking comfort and luxury.
The third daily flight, EK709/710, will depart Dubai at 06:55 and arrive in Mauritius at 13:40. The return flight leaves Mauritius at 18:30, reaching Dubai at 01:10 the next day. Tickets are already available for booking through the Emirates website, app, retail stores, and travel agents worldwide.
This expansion reflects strong demand from both leisure and business travelers. According to Emirates, the new flight will help meet growing interest from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and key Asian markets like Japan, China, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
Strategic Partnership: Emirates and Air Mauritius Codeshare
The new Emirates flight operates under a codeshare agreement with Air Mauritius. This partnership, renewed in May 2025, allows both airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights, making it easier for travelers to book seamless journeys across more than 140 destinations.
- Air Mauritius can now place its code on Emirates flights to cities such as Cairo, Colombo, Karachi, Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
- Emirates places its code on Air Mauritius’ Mauritius–Antananarivo route.
This collaboration also includes cooperation on frequent flyer programs and cargo handling. For travelers, this means easier connections, coordinated baggage handling, and the ability to earn and use frequent flyer points across both airlines.
Economic and Tourism Impact: Numbers That Matter
Since 2002, Emirates has carried over 8.8 million passengers and 126,000 tonnes of cargo to and from Mauritius. The airline’s operations have brought in $119 million in direct economic impact, $264 million in tourism receipts, and $530 million in tourism-related spending. Emirates’ presence supports about 3,600 jobs in Mauritius, showing how important air connectivity is for the island’s economy.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Mauritius is a key destination for us, and we are committed to supporting its tourism growth.” Air Mauritius Chairman Kremchand (Kishore) Beegoo added, “Our partnership with Emirates expands global access for Mauritians and boosts our tourism industry.”
Tourism Trends: Recent Data and Challenges
Despite these positive developments, official statistics show that the first quarter of 2025 saw a 5.8% decrease in tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. Air arrivals dropped by 3.6%, and sea arrivals (mainly cruise tourists) fell by 45.9%. However, the number of excursionists—people who arrive and leave the same day—increased by 59%. Most visitors (94.9%) still come for holidays, with small increases in business and sports travel.
The Mauritian flights market is expected to generate $69.39 million in revenue in 2025. Travelers are looking for direct, convenient, and affordable flights. The rise of online booking and social media means that easy-to-use booking systems are more important than ever.
Other Airlines and Government Policy
While Emirates is leading the way with this expansion, the Mauritian government and tourism authorities are working to attract more direct flights from other global airlines, including Air France. As of July 2025, no other airlines have announced new services, but the government’s open approach suggests more announcements could come soon.
What This Means for Travelers
- More Choices: The third daily Emirates flight gives travelers more options for departure and arrival times, making it easier to plan trips.
- Better Connections: The codeshare with Air Mauritius means travelers can book through-tickets to more destinations, with coordinated baggage and frequent flyer benefits.
- Potential for Lower Fares: More flights often lead to better prices, especially outside peak travel seasons.
Benefits for the Mauritian Tourism Industry
- Increased Capacity: The 30% boost in Emirates’ seat capacity is expected to bring more tourists, especially from high-spending markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
- Economic Growth: Emirates’ operations support jobs and local businesses through tourism spending.
- Stronger Marketing: The partnership with Air Mauritius raises Mauritius’ profile as a destination, with joint marketing efforts reaching more potential visitors.
Aviation Sector: Behind the Scenes
- Operational Coordination: The codeshare requires close teamwork between Emirates and Air Mauritius, including schedule alignment, baggage handling, and customer service.
- Cargo Opportunities: More passenger flights also mean more cargo capacity, helping Mauritius’ export and import businesses.
Historical Context: How We Got Here
Emirates started flying to Mauritius in 2002 and has steadily increased its presence. The partnership with Air Mauritius began in 2003 and has been renewed and expanded several times, most recently in May 2025. This long-term collaboration is a key part of Mauritius’ strategy to stay connected to the world.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Mauritius Tourism
- Tourism Recovery: While early 2025 saw a dip in arrivals, the big increase in air capacity from December is expected to help tourism bounce back, especially with strong marketing and competitive prices.
- More Airline Announcements: The Mauritian government’s welcoming stance means other airlines may soon announce new flights, though no details are available yet.
- Sustainable Growth: Stakeholders stress the need to balance growth with sustainability, making sure that more visitors do not strain local resources or the environment.
Key Stakeholders: Who’s Involved
- Emirates: Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, thanked Mauritian authorities for supporting the new flight and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to the island.
- Air Mauritius: Chairman Kremchand (Kishore) Beegoo highlighted the value of the Emirates partnership for both the airline and the national economy.
- Mauritian Government: While no specific officials are quoted, the government’s actions show strong support for expanding air access.
How to Book: Step-by-Step Guide for Emirates Flights to Mauritius
- Pick Your Dates: Decide when you want to travel, keeping in mind the new third daily flight from December 1, 2025.
- Choose Your Cabin: Emirates offers First, Business, and Economy Class on all Mauritius flights.
- Book Your Ticket: Use the Emirates website, mobile app, retail stores, contact center, or a travel agent.
- Check Codeshare Options: If you need to connect beyond Dubai or Mauritius, ask about codeshare flights with Air Mauritius for a smoother journey.
- Prepare Your Documents: Make sure you have the right visas and travel documents for Mauritius and any countries you’ll pass through.
For official information on entry requirements and travel documents for Mauritius, visit the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office.
Expert Analysis: Perspectives from Different Groups
- Airline View: Emirates sees Mauritius as a high-potential destination. The new flight meets strong demand and supports the island’s economic recovery. The partnership with Air Mauritius uses Dubai’s hub to bring travelers from around the world.
- Tourism Industry View: Local businesses hope the extra flights will help Mauritius reach and surpass pre-pandemic tourism numbers. While recent data shows a slight drop, the December capacity increase is expected to drive growth.
- Traveler View: Passengers benefit from more flight options, better schedules, and the chance for lower fares. The codeshare with Air Mauritius makes complex trips easier and improves the overall travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will ticket prices drop with more flights? More seats usually mean more competition, which can lead to better prices, especially outside busy travel periods.
- How does the codeshare work? You can book a single ticket for trips involving both Emirates and Air Mauritius, with coordinated baggage and check-in.
- What about jobs? Emirates’ operations support thousands of jobs in Mauritius, both directly and through tourism spending.
- Are there environmental concerns? While not addressed in the current sources, more flights can raise questions about sustainability and carbon emissions. This may become a focus for airlines and policymakers in the future.
What to Watch For: Upcoming Changes and Opportunities
- More Airline News: Keep an eye out for announcements from other airlines, as the Mauritian government is open to more flights.
- Tourism Campaigns: Expect joint marketing efforts by Emirates, Air Mauritius, and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority to attract more visitors.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: More flights may lead to improvements at the airport and in tourism facilities to handle more travelers.
Practical Tips for Travelers and Businesses
- Book Early: With more flights, you have more choices, but popular dates may still fill up fast.
- Check Visa Rules: Entry requirements can change, so always check the latest information before you travel.
- Use Official Channels: Book through official airline websites or trusted travel agents to avoid scams.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Mauritius Tourism Authority and airlines for the latest news on flights and travel rules.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Mauritius Tourism
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Mauritius is entering a new phase of tourism growth, thanks to Emirates’ decision to add a third daily flight using the Boeing 777-300ER and its close partnership with Air Mauritius. This expansion is set to increase seat capacity by over 30%, improve global access, and support economic growth. While recent data shows a slight dip in arrivals, the new flights are expected to help the island recover and thrive.
The Mauritian government and tourism industry are working together to make the most of these opportunities, focusing on sustainable growth and better visitor experiences. Travelers, businesses, and local communities all stand to benefit from these changes. For the latest updates and official information, visit the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office and check with your airline before booking.
With more choices, better connections, and a renewed focus on quality and sustainability, Mauritius is well-positioned to welcome the world in 2025 and beyond.
Learn Today
Boeing 777-300ER → A long-range wide-body jet aircraft used by Emirates for the new Mauritius flights.
Codeshare Agreement → Partnership allowing airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights for seamless travel.
Air Mauritius → Mauritius’ national airline partnering with Emirates to expand route access and services.
Tourism Receipts → Income generated from expenditures by international visitors arriving in Mauritius.
Frequent Flyer Program → Loyalty program enabling passengers to earn and redeem points across partner airlines.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting December 1, 2025, Emirates will operate a third daily Boeing 777-300ER flight between Dubai and Mauritius, increasing capacity by over 30%, strengthening tourism, and enhancing connectivity with a codeshare agreement alongside Air Mauritius.
— By VisaVerge.com
