Air Seychelles has today announced that the airline has suspended all flights across its regional network due the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The decision taken follows intensified travel advisories, national lockdowns and closures at ports of entry within the Indian Ocean, South Africa, India as well as in the Seychelles, in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, the airline has also further revised its domestic schedule to offer only two rotations between Mahe and Praslin daily effective Thursday, 26 March, 2020.
Travellers across the airline’s network are advised to alter their dates of travel without incurring a change fee. For those unsure of their exact travelling dates, Air Seychelles is recommending the travellers to proceed with cancelling their reservation now, and rebook without a fee for travel at a later time.
Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer said: “For the first time in Air Seychelles 41 years history, we are suspending international flying due to the extraordinary events surrounding COVID-19.
“Our priority now is to ensure the safety of our employees and fellow citizens, while also focusing our energy on maintaining vital cargo supply chains to the country.
“We hope to resume normal commercial operations as soon as the situation improves.”
Air Seychelles operated its last flight yesterday from Johannesburg to the Seychelles. The airline aims to resume services on its regional network on Saturday, 18 April 2020.
Air Seychelles was established in 1978 and began long-haul service in 1983. The airline currently offers international flights to, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Mumbai and Tel Aviv. Air Seychelles also offers more than 350 domestic scheduled flights a week throughout the archipelago, including domestic charter services. As the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, Air Seychelles is a pillar of tourism, the island nation’s strongest and growing economic sector. The airline maintains a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and 40 per cent stakeholder.
