Air Seychelles is taking proactive steps to safeguard its crucial tourism market by introducing a temporary direct air link to Istanbul, Turkey.
The national carrier of the Seychelles announced it will deploy twice-weekly flights between Mahé (SEZ) and Istanbul (IST) from May 2 until June 27, 2026. The service will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays using a 249-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft provided under wet lease from HiFly. Departure from Istanbul is scheduled at 22:15 local time, arriving in the Seychelles at 07:00 the following morning. The return leg departs Mahé at 08:50 and lands in Istanbul at approximately 15:55 the same day. These timings are designed to facilitate comfortable overnight travel and convenient connections.
The decision comes against the backdrop of persistent airspace closures and operational challenges in the Middle East that have severely curtailed services by Gulf carriers, which have traditionally transported a large share of visitors to the pristine islands. Flights to Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv have been suspended for weeks, prompting the need for alternative gateways to sustain inbound travel demand. Istanbul, a major global aviation hub straddling Europe and Asia, offers extensive onward connections across the continent through the carrier's new codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines.
This partnership enables travelers from numerous European cities to route via Istanbul with simplified ticketing and baggage handling. Beyond its role as a transit point, Istanbul itself serves as an attractive destination with its historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and culinary scene, potentially drawing two-way traffic.
Sandy Benoiton, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, emphasized the strategic importance of the new route in responding to shifting market dynamics. The executive highlighted the airline's commitment to the tourism sector, which forms the backbone of the Seychelles economy, by providing reliable alternatives when traditional pathways are constrained.
The Istanbul service further expands the airline's European footprint. It builds upon recently introduced or extended seasonal operations to Paris, running through the end of June, and to Rome, which continues until late April. Together, these routes aim to diversify source markets and mitigate the impact of regional geopolitical tensions on visitor arrivals.
For Seychelles, a destination celebrated for its UNESCO-listed natural wonders, granite boulder beaches, and marine biodiversity, maintaining strong international air access is essential. The temporary nature of the Istanbul flights allows the airline to test demand while offering immediate relief to the tourism industry.
Air Seychelles, wholly government-owned and operating for more than 45 years, flies regional routes with Airbus A320neo aircraft and maintains an extensive domestic network using Twin Otters. The carrier also provides ground handling at its Mahé base. In recent years it has earned recognition as the Indian Ocean's leading airline at the World Travel Awards.
Aviation analysts note that such agile network adjustments are increasingly common as carriers navigate volatile geopolitical environments and recovery in leisure travel. While the service is short-term, successful uptake could pave the way for more sustained links or additional partnerships in the future. Passengers are encouraged to book early via the airline's website or through Turkish Airlines channels to secure seats on the limited flights.
This development reflects broader industry trends where African and island carriers seek new alliances with major Middle Eastern and European hubs to bypass disruptions and tap into growing traveler segments seeking unique destinations like the Seychelles.