GURUGRAM- India’s largest domestic carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E) plans to inaugurate flights to Seychelles in October 2024, as announced by the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).
The authority revealed on Friday that this decision follows bilateral aviation discussions held between Seychelles and India the previous week.
IndiGo Eyes Seychelles Flights
IndiGo is anticipated to operate three weekly flights to the archipelago and is currently engaged in final deliberations with Indian authorities to obtain all requisite approvals. Simultaneously, discussions are underway with Seychelles authorities.
These discussions aim to further liberalize the air transport arrangement between the two nations, introducing new provisions and fostering greater operational flexibility for airlines from both countries.
Garry Albert, the chief executive of SCAA, highlighted that the launch of these flights by IndiGo is a direct outcome of the modern air services framework established between the two countries.
“These arrangements, negotiated by the government, yield tangible results, ultimately benefiting the people of Seychelles,” he emphasized.
During the discussion, Albert underscored the significance of such engagements, emphasizing that the maintenance of our excellent bilateral relations relies on regular dialogues between our two sides to explore new avenues for strengthening our partnership.
He commended India’s remarkable growth in the aviation sector, noting how the country has emerged as a vital international hub in the region, contributing to global economic expansion.
Friendly Relations
Shri Asangba Chuba Ao, the joint secretary for the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India, who led the Indian delegation, highlighted the longstanding cordial and friendly relations between the two nations spanning several decades.
He pointed out that Seychelles is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Indian tourists.
Chuba Ao mentioned the growing interest among Indian carriers in operating direct flights to Seychelles. With the demand for travel to Seychelles on the rise, he emphasized the importance of these discussions in creating opportunities to facilitate commercial air operations for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Air Seychelles India Flights
In 2015, Seychelles, an archipelago situated in the western Indian Ocean, and India entered into an Air Services Agreement, serving as the foundation for airline operations between the two countries.
Currently, the connection between the two nations is facilitated by a direct Air Seychelles flight to Mumbai (BOM) once a week. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline operated five weekly flights to India.
Despite the reduction in flight frequency on this route, there has been a noteworthy increase of over 50 percent in Indian visitors to Seychelles from 2022 to 2023.
During the discussions, Seychelles was informed of the interest expressed by a second Indian carrier to commence flights to Seychelles shortly.
India, now the world’s fifth-largest economy, has surpassed France and the UK. Undergoing significant transformation over the years, India has emerged as a favored destination for numerous tourists and serves as a hub for medical tourism for Seychellois.
Additionally, travelers from Seychelles are drawn to India for educational opportunities and various professional development prospects.
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