With the boost to services to Madagascar, Emirates’ flights aboard the Boeing 777 aircraft allow additional cargo capacity for imports and exports, with the ability to uplift up to 20 tonnes of cargo per flight in the aircraft’s bellyhold. -TradeArabia News Service

The launch underscores the importance of the Indian Ocean region, through which 95% of the country's trade moves. India's largest rival, China, has been increasing its naval presence in the region.

Over the past few months, the airline has experienced strong demand from the UAE, Sri Lanka, France, UK, mainland China, Japan, Spain, and Italy to Madagascar. From Madagascar, travellers have mainly ventured to Dubai, the hub city of Emirates, in addition to Seychelles, France, India, Sri Lanka, Italy and Japan.