Etihad Airways’ inaugural flight to the Republic of the Seychelles has touched down at the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé.

Flight EY622 was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute, as the pilots waved the flags of the United Arab Emirates and Republic of the Seychelles from the cockpit windows.

Representatives of the Seychelles greet the arrival of the inaugural Etihad service

Forward bookings for the route, which will operate four times per week via a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, are strong, particularly from points of origin in the airline’s European network.

Etihad Airways also commenced daily services between Abu Dhabi and Malé, the capital of The Republic of the Maldives.

The new service will operate four times per week via a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “The ties between Abu Dhabi and the Seychelles are already strong, and with this new route, Etihad Airways can help to make that relationship stronger.

“The Seychelles has long been a favourite destination among discerning leisure travellers, and global interest in the destination has been building in recent years, particularly following the much-publicized Royal Honeymoon.

Etihad’s schedule offers an attractive afternoon arrival and evening departure and European travellers can take advantage of overnight flights through Abu Dhabi in both directions, offering them a full extra day in the Seychelles.

The inaugural Etihad Airways service to the Seychelles was greeted by dignitaries from the destination

Paradise Found

The Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, located off of the east coast of Africa. 

The 41 inner islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth, with another 74 islands forming the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the outer islands.

The inner islands cluster mainly around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, forming the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the centre of its tourism industry.

I am thrilled to bring Etihad Airways, a brand recognised for worldwide excellence, to a destination admired by travellers the world over - James Hogan

Etihad Holidays

Etihad Holidays has a range of holiday options selected from the most spectacular of the 115 pristine, paradise islands of the Seychelles.

Offering experiences for all budgets, Etihad Holidays can create packages for any type of traveller, whether it is for honeymooners or families, sun worshippers or divers.

Packages include flights, hotel accommodation, island transfers and any number of the many tours and excursions on offer.

Etihad is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards.