Air Seychelles has resumed commercial operations to the Middle East for the first time in six years with the arrival of its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi on May 24.
Flight HM19 landed at Seychelles International Airport at 12h35 local time, carrying 157 passengers. Operated by the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft, “Pti Merl de Zil”, the flight was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.
Senior government officials at the ceremony included Minister for Transport Antony Derjacques, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde and senior representatives of Air Seychelles and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority.
Derjacques welcomed the route’s return, noting its broader significance: “The strategic advantages of this development are manifold and the enhanced connectivity is poised to boost tourism, a cornerstone of our economy, and stimulate trade opportunities.”
Air Seychelles CEO Sandy Benoiton described the relaunch as a milestone for the national carrier: “This achievement signifies more than just the return of a route; it represents our renewed commitment to connecting Seychelles with key international markets.”
The resumed route will operate six times per week, offering increased access between Seychelles and the Middle East. The service is supported by Air Seychelles’ codeshare partnership with Etihad Airways, facilitating onward connectivity to Europe, Asia and North America.
