On 26 May 2025, Air Seychelles announced that it has resumed commercial operations to the Middle East after a six-year hiatus.
The inaugural flight HM19, from the vibrant capital city of Abu Dhabi, arrived at Seychelles International Airport at 1235 hrs on Saturday, 24th May 2025 with 157 passengers onboard. The arrival was marked by a traditional water cannon salute and was attended by key dignitaries along with government representatives and travel trade partners.
Operated by the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft, ‘Pti Merl de Zil’, the flight was commanded by Captain Rajesh Nair and First Officer, Samuel Lautee. The passenger experience was managed by our award-winning cabin crew team, led by Cabin Manager, Jacqueline Confiance, and including crew members Ingrid Bouchereau, Elaine Marie and Carole Agathine.
To celebrate this milestone, a welcoming ceremony was held with the presence of the Minister for Transport, Mr. Antony Derjacques; the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde; Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, Sandy Benoiton and Board Chairman, Mr Francois Jackson, Sandy Benoiton; PS for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, PS for Civil Aviation, Mr David Bianchi, PS for Land Transport, Mr Patrick Andre; and Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin.
During a brief welcoming ceremony, Minister Derjacques expressed his enthusiasm for the return of the service, stating, “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; expansion reflects our nations resilience and ambition on the global stage.”
Air Seychelles’ CEO, Sandy Benoiton, added, “This achievement signifies more than just the return of a route; it represents our renewed commitment to connecting Seychelles with key international markets, opening new horizons for our travellers, and supporting our economy through increased tourism and business opportunities. Today’s milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication, hard work, and passion of our entire team. Their commitment to bringing this operation to life—meticulously planning, coordinating, and executing every detail—has truly been inspiring. I want to express my deepest appreciation to each and every member of the Air Seychelles family for turning this vision into reality.”
This inaugural flight marks the start of a six-weekly, direct service to the Middle East, providing local travellers with an additional destination to explore. Abu Dhabi has established itself as a key player in the Middle East, offering a rich array of activities and entertainment options. Its close proximity and easy access to the popular hub of Dubai make it an ideal getaway for those seeking an adventurous escape.
Air Seychelles’ codeshare partnership with Etihad Airways offers hassle-free and seamless connections to its expansive network in Europe, Asia, and the USA, with passengers’ baggage checked in to its final destination.
Flight Schedule to Abu Dhabi
Daily except Thursdays – HM18 departs Seychelles at 2030 hrs and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 0105 hrs.
Daily except Fridays – HM19 departs Abu Dhabi at 0750 hrs and arrives in Seychelles at 1225 hrs.
