Published on
October 22, 2025
Seychelles, an idyllic tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, continues to make significant strides in enhancing its global connectivity with the expansion of Air Seychelles’ service to Abu Dhabi. Beginning on October 16, 2025, the national carrier will increase its frequency to daily flights between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. This move comes as a result of strong demand from both leisure and business travelers, reflecting the route’s success since its introduction in May 2025. The expanded service aims to meet the growing need for seamless travel between the Seychelles and key markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, providing passengers with greater flexibility and convenience.
This significant development reinforces Air Seychelles’ commitment to supporting the Seychellois community and visitors while positioning the airline as a vital bridge between the Indian Ocean and the Gulf region. The new daily service strengthens the strategic partnership between Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways, boosting tourism and trade links between the two regions. It is expected to generate over 57,000 tourist arrivals annually, further cementing the Seychelles’ position as a growing tourism hub.
Key Highlights:
- Daily Flights: Starting October 2025, Air Seychelles will operate daily flights between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi.
- Airline Partnership: Enhanced connectivity with Etihad Airways, offering smooth onward connections across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
- Aircraft & Comfort: The service will be operated using Air Seychelles’ modern Airbus A320neo, configured with 168 seats for optimal comfort.
- Tourism Boost: The new service is expected to generate over 57,000 tourist arrivals annually.
- Cultural & Business Ties: The route strengthens Seychelles’ ties with key international markets, enhancing tourism and business opportunities.
Growing Demand for the Abu Dhabi–Seychelles Route
The success of the Seychelles–Abu Dhabi route since its launch in May 2025 has exceeded expectations, with Air Seychelles receiving overwhelming support from passengers. The route’s ability to connect travelers from the Middle East, Europe, and Russia to the Seychelles has made it a critical part of the airline’s network. This increase to daily flights reflects the growing demand from both leisure tourists seeking the natural beauty of the Seychelles and business travelers requiring seamless connectivity for trade and commerce.
The introduction of daily flights allows Air Seychelles to offer greater flexibility and convenience, giving passengers more options to travel at their preferred times. This expanded service also provides travelers with easier access to the UAE, with its modern facilities, thriving tourism industry, and business opportunities, all while enjoying the unique charm and tranquility of Seychelles upon arrival.
Air Seychelles’ Chief Commercial Officer, Charles Johnson, noted that the airline was thrilled by the strong performance of the route. “The overwhelming support from our passengers has been tremendous, and we are delighted to meet their needs with a daily service to Abu Dhabi,” said Johnson. “With this increase, we are thrilled to offer greater flexibility and convenience to our passengers.”
A Gateway to Abu Dhabi and the Gulf Region
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a city of contrasts, where traditional culture meets modern luxury. Known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city offers visitors a mix of rich cultural experiences and cutting-edge technology. Its luxury shopping malls, waterfront promenades, and thriving arts scene provide a dynamic destination for both leisure and business travelers.
The expanded service between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi will serve as an essential gateway to the UAE, facilitating easier travel for those looking to explore the Gulf region. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s proximity to Dubai, just a short drive away, adds to the appeal of the route, making it an ideal starting point for visitors looking to explore both emirates. The route will also provide a connection for travelers continuing on to destinations in Europe, Asia, and beyond, thanks to the codeshare agreement between Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways.
For those traveling from the Seychelles, this new daily service opens up a wealth of opportunities for leisure and business connections across the Middle East and Europe. It allows greater access to the region’s many trade hubs, increasing Seychelles’ global reach and positioning the country as a significant player in international tourism and commerce.
Strengthening Seychelles’ Role as a Tourism Hub
Seychelles, with its 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, has long been known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. The country has increasingly become a top destination for eco-tourism and luxury vacations. The expanded Air Seychelles service to Abu Dhabi comes at a crucial time for the Seychelles tourism sector, as it opens up new opportunities for international tourists to visit the islands with ease.
The Seychelles government, alongside Air Seychelles, has been working diligently to position the country as a luxury and eco-friendly destination, appealing to travelers who seek not only beautiful beaches but also a deep connection with nature. This new daily flight service will help further that goal, attracting more international tourists and providing them with more travel options.
Air Seychelles’ Strategic Growth
This expansion is part of Air Seychelles’ broader strategy to strengthen its international footprint and enhance connectivity with key global markets. The airline has worked hard to improve its network, and the move to daily flights to Abu Dhabi signals its confidence in the growing demand for travel between the Seychelles and the Middle East. As a national carrier, Air Seychelles continues to provide seamless connections for travelers seeking to visit this tropical paradise.
By offering a more frequent and reliable service, Air Seychelles aims to build on its reputation for reliability and service excellence. With the introduction of daily flights, the airline further strengthens its ties with international partners, making it a vital link between the Seychelles and the rest of the world. The partnership with Etihad Airways has also enhanced the airline’s global reach, providing travelers with more options for onward connections across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Conclusion
The expansion of Air Seychelles’ service between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi to daily flights is a pivotal development for both the airline and the tourism sector. With increasing demand for both leisure and business travel, the daily service offers passengers greater flexibility, improved connectivity, and enhanced convenience. By strengthening its ties with the UAE and other global markets, Seychelles is set to attract more international visitors and solidify its position as a premier destination in the Indian Ocean.
With this expanded route, travelers will now have more opportunities to experience the beauty of Seychelles while benefiting from greater international connectivity. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, Air Seychelles’ new daily flights ensure that the islands remain within easy reach of travelers from all over the world.
