Air Seychelles announces direct flights to Mumbai

Air Seychelles, in which gulf carrier Etihad holds 40 per cent stake, announced in Mumbai on Friday that it will launch direct flight services to Mumbai from December, making its foray into the Indian aviation space.

The Seychelles national carrier will operate three flights per week on the Seychelles- Mumbai route from December 2, subject to regulatory clearances, the airline said.

"We are thrilled to launch flights to Mumbai.

“As one of the largest, fastest-growing, and most exciting travel markets in the world, India represents a considerable opportunity for Air Seychelles," Air Seychelles chief executive Manoj Papa said.

The addition of Mumbai in the airline's network is a direct result of is strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, and how it has together worked to increase travel options for the Indian customers, the release added.

The new Mumbai schedule has been purposely designed to offer business and leisure travellers from India convenient and direct access to the Seychelles islands, it said, adding, Air Seychelles will be able to tap into the expertise of Etihad Airways in areas such as sales and marketing in India.

Image: An Air Seychelles aircraft; Photograph: Kind courtesy: Air Seychelles