Key Takeaways
• Air Seychelles launched direct flights between Seychelles (SEZ) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) on May 24, 2025.
• Flights operate six times weekly except Thursdays (SEZ) and Fridays (AUH) using Airbus A320NEO aircraft.
• Renewed codeshare with Etihad Airways offers unified booking, baggage, loyalty benefits, and seamless global connections.
A New Era for UAE–Seychelles Travel: Air Seychelles Launches Direct Flights to Zayed International Airport
On May 24, 2025, Air Seychelles marked a major milestone by launching a direct flight service between Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) and Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight, carrying 157 passengers, landed in Abu Dhabi, signaling a new chapter for travel, tourism, and trade between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Seychelles 🇸🇨. This development is more than just a new route—it represents a renewed partnership, expanded opportunities for travelers, and a boost for both countries’ economies.
Let’s break down what this means for travelers, businesses, and the broader region, and how the renewed codeshare with Etihad Airways will make journeys smoother and more rewarding.
What’s New: Direct Flights and Expanded Connectivity
Air Seychelles now operates six flights per week between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, using modern Airbus A320NEO aircraft. The schedule is designed for convenience:
- From Seychelles (SEZ) to Abu Dhabi (AUH): Departs at 20:45, arrives at 01:20, every day except Thursday.
- From Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Seychelles (SEZ): Departs at 08:00, arrives at 12:35, every day except Friday.
This direct connection cuts travel time to about 4 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 2,023 miles (3,255 km). For many, this means less time in transit and more time enjoying their destination.
Codeshare Partnership with Etihad Airways: What Does It Mean?
A key feature of this launch is the renewed codeshare agreement between Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways. A codeshare is when two airlines share the same flight, allowing passengers to book a single ticket that covers flights operated by both airlines. This partnership brings several benefits:
- Single Itinerary Booking: Travelers can book their entire journey, including connecting flights, on one ticket through either airline’s website.
- Unified Baggage Allowance: Passengers enjoy the same baggage rules across both airlines, making transfers easier.
- Loyalty Program Integration: Etihad Guest members can earn and redeem miles on Air Seychelles flights.
- Seamless Connections: Passengers can connect from Seychelles to Abu Dhabi and then onward to Etihad’s global network, including Europe, Asia, the USA, and more.
This arrangement simplifies travel, especially for those making international connections, and improves the overall passenger experience.
Why This Matters: Boosting Tourism, Trade, and Regional Ties
The launch of this direct route is expected to have a big impact on several fronts:
- Tourism: Seychelles is a popular holiday spot, known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. The United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 is a top source of high-spending tourists for Seychelles. With easier access, more visitors from the UAE and connecting markets are expected.
- Trade and Business: Improved air links make it easier for business travelers, trade delegations, and investors to move between the two countries. This supports economic growth and diversification.
- Regional Hub Development: Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, with its new terminal opened in November 2023, is positioning itself as a major aviation hub. The new route strengthens this role and supports Seychelles’ goal of being a leading Indian Ocean destination.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
The importance of this launch is echoed by leaders from all sides:
- Sandy Benoiton, CEO of Air Seychelles: “We are thrilled to launch this exciting new service to Abu Dhabi, a key gateway for our passengers. Through this partnership with Etihad Airways, we are able to offer greater convenience and more destinations, creating new opportunities for travel and tourism in both the Seychelles and the UAE.”
- Charles Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Seychelles: “The UAE remains a crucial inbound tourist market for the destination, and we believe that the conditions are now optimal for the national airline to re-enter and establish a strong presence.”
- Elena Sorlini, Managing Director & CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports: “This new flight service not only bolsters Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub but also strengthens the ties between the UAE and Seychelles.”
- Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways: “This exciting agreement offers Etihad Airways’ guests increased frequency and convenience for travel between Abu Dhabi and Seychelles, and onward to Mauritius. The flights will integrate seamlessly with Etihad’s global network, enhancing connectivity for passengers of both airlines.”
How the Travel Process Works: Step by Step
Travelers using the new Air Seychelles route can expect a smooth journey from booking to arrival:
- Booking: Tickets can be purchased on the Air Seychelles or Etihad Airways websites. Passengers can choose the direct SEZ–AUH route or add onward connections.
- Check-In: Available online or at the airport. Codeshare passengers can check their bags through to their final destination, even if connecting to another airline.
- Flight: Board the Airbus A320NEO aircraft, which offers modern amenities. Etihad Guest members can earn miles on these flights.
- Arrival: Land at Zayed International Airport’s new terminal, which offers improved facilities and easy access to onward flights or Abu Dhabi’s attractions.
- Onward Connections: Connect seamlessly to Etihad’s global network or to Air Seychelles’ regional flights, such as to Mauritius or Praslin Island within Seychelles.
Background: The Road to Renewal
The partnership between Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways has a long history. From 2012, Etihad held a 40% stake in Air Seychelles, but financial challenges led to Etihad’s withdrawal in 2021. The Seychelles government then took full ownership, and Air Seychelles went through a tough restructuring process. By 2023, the airline had settled its debts and emerged from administration, ready to grow again.
The renewed codeshare in 2025 is different from the old partnership. Now, it’s focused on commercial cooperation—aligning flight schedules and services—rather than shared ownership. This allows both airlines to work together for mutual benefit while staying independent.
Zayed International Airport: A Modern Gateway
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is a key part of this story. The airport handled over 29 million passengers in 2024, and its new terminal, opened in late 2023, has increased capacity and improved service quality. The airport’s growth supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be a major global aviation hub, connecting travelers from around the world.
For more information about Zayed International Airport and its facilities, travelers can visit the official Abu Dhabi Airports website.
Implications for Stakeholders
The launch of this direct route affects many groups:
- Travelers: Easier access, shorter travel times, and better connections to global destinations.
- Tourism Industry: More visitors mean more business for hotels, tour operators, and local attractions in both countries.
- Business Community: Faster, more reliable travel supports trade, investment, and business meetings.
- Aviation Sector: The partnership strengthens both airlines’ networks and helps Abu Dhabi and Seychelles compete as regional hubs.
Expert Analysis: Why Now?
Aviation experts see this move as timely. After the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is strong demand for leisure and business travel. Direct flights, especially with a strong codeshare, help airlines capture this demand and offer more value to passengers.
Tourism authorities in Seychelles expect a big increase in arrivals from the UAE and connecting markets. The UAE is already a top source of high-spending tourists, and easier access is likely to boost numbers further.
Business leaders also welcome the improved air links. They expect more trade delegations, investment missions, and business travel, which can help both countries diversify their economies and create new opportunities.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Both Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways expect passenger numbers to grow, especially during peak holiday seasons. If demand is strong, the partnership could expand to include more destinations or more frequent flights.
Governments and tourism boards in both countries are likely to launch joint marketing campaigns to promote the new route and maximize its benefits. Air Seychelles is also working on codeshare agreements with other airlines, such as Emirates, to offer even more options for travelers.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Booking: Use the official Air Seychelles (www.airseychelles.com) or Etihad Airways (www.etihad.com) websites for the latest schedules and best fares.
- Check Visa Requirements: Travelers should check the latest visa rules for both the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Seychelles 🇸🇨 before booking. Official government websites provide up-to-date information on entry requirements.
- Loyalty Programs: If you are an Etihad Guest member, make sure to enter your membership number when booking to earn miles.
- Onward Connections: Plan your onward journey in advance, especially if connecting to other destinations in the Etihad or Air Seychelles networks.
Summary Table: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | Inaugural flight: May 24, 2025 |
| Frequency | 6 times per week (daily except Thu ex-SEZ, Fri ex-AUH) |
| Aircraft | Airbus A320NEO |
| Codeshare | Etihad Airways (single ticketing, baggage, loyalty integration) |
| Flight Duration | ~4 hours 30 minutes |
| Distance | 2,023 miles (3,255 km) |
| Key Stakeholders | Air Seychelles, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Airports |
| Practical Effects | Boosts tourism, trade, seamless global connections |
| Booking | airseychelles.com, etihad.com |
| Onward Connections | Etihad global network, Air Seychelles to Mauritius & Praslin |
| Official Contacts | See above |
Contact Information
- Air Seychelles:
Website: www.airseychelles.com
Customer Service: Via website contact form or local offices - Etihad Airways:
Website: www.etihad.com
Customer Service: Via website or +971 600 555 666 -
Abu Dhabi Airports:
Website: www.adairports.ae
Social Media:- Instagram: instagram.com/adairports
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/abu-dhabi-airports
Conclusion: A Win-Win for UAE and Seychelles
The launch of Air Seychelles’ direct service to Zayed International Airport is a game-changer for travel between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Seychelles 🇸🇨. It offers travelers more choice and convenience, supports tourism and business, and strengthens the partnership between two dynamic regions. The renewed codeshare with Etihad Airways ensures global connectivity, making it easier for people to explore, do business, and connect with the world.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this development is expected to drive sustained growth in travel, tourism, and trade, with both countries poised to benefit from closer ties and greater opportunities. For travelers, businesses, and the aviation industry, the future looks bright as Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways work together to open new doors and connect more people than ever before.
For official information on travel requirements and airport services, visit the Abu Dhabi Airports official website.
Actionable Takeaways
- Book your next trip between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi with confidence, knowing you have more options and smoother connections.
- Check visa requirements early to avoid surprises at the airport.
- Take advantage of loyalty programs and codeshare benefits for a better travel experience.
- Watch for new destinations and expanded services as the partnership grows.
This new direct route is more than just a flight—it’s a bridge between cultures, economies, and people, promising a new era of opportunity for all.
Learn Today
Air Seychelles → The national airline of Seychelles operating flights including the new direct route to Abu Dhabi.
Zayed International Airport → Abu Dhabi’s major airport featuring a modern terminal opened in November 2023.
Codeshare → An agreement where two airlines share flights, allowing passengers to book one ticket for multiple carriers.
Airbus A320NEO → A fuel-efficient, modern aircraft model used by Air Seychelles on the new direct route.
Etihad Guest → Etihad Airways’ loyalty program that lets passengers earn and redeem miles on partner flights.
This Article in a Nutshell
Air Seychelles began direct flights linking Seychelles to Abu Dhabi in May 2025, improving travel in 4.5 hours. A renewed Etihad codeshare simplifies bookings and baggage handling, boosting tourism, trade, and regional connectivity via Zayed International Airport’s new terminal and extensive network expansions.
— By VisaVerge.com
