Air Seychelles adds Istanbul to its list of new routes |13 April 2026
Air Seychelles has announced the introduction of a new, special service between Seychelles and Istanbul, Turkey, designed to further support inbound tourism at this critical time.
In a communiqué published online, Air Seychelles stated that in response to ongoing regional challenges affecting Gulf carriers – historically a significant source of visitor traffic to Seychelles – the airline is proactively introducing this service to maintain access to key international markets.
The service will run twice weekly from May 2 to June 27, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and offering convenient connections between Seychelles, Turkey, and onward destinations across Europe. The flights will be operated using a 249-seat Airbus A330-300, leased from HiFly.
Through a codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, passengers will be able to book journeys from destinations across its network via Istanbul, further enhancing connectivity and flexibility.
The flight schedule has been carefully designed to maximise comfort and connectivity:
• Departure from Istanbul at 2215 hours to arrive in Seychelles at 0700 hours the next day
• Departure from Seychelles at 0850 hours to arrive in Istanbul at 1555 hours
These timings allow for overnight travel into Seychelles, enabling passengers to arrive refreshed in the morning, while also offering smooth onward connections through Istanbul into Europe.
As one of the world’s most important aviation hubs, Istanbul offers extensive connections across Europe, making it an ideal alternative gateway for travellers. Its geographic position bridging East and West allow passengers to easily connect to major European cities and beyond.
Istanbul itself is famed for its rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural marvels. From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, the city offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern energy. Visitors can explore centuries-old palaces, indulge in world-renowned cuisine, and experience the dynamic atmosphere of one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
In contrast, Seychelles continues to attract travellers with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and exceptional biodiversity. World-renowned sites such as Anse Source d’Argent and the Unesco world heritage site Vallée de Mai underscore the destination’s reputation for natural beauty, exclusivity, and tranquility.
Commenting on the launch, Sandy Benoiton, chief executive of Air Seychelles said “the introduction of this Istanbul service demonstrates our responsiveness to evolving market conditions and our continued commitment to supporting the tourism industry in Seychelles. With reduced capacity through traditional Gulf gateways, it is essential that we provide reliable and attractive alternatives for our visitors.”
“Istanbul is not only a compelling destination in its own right, but also a major global hub offering extensive connectivity into Europe and beyond. Through our partnership with Turkish Airlines, we are confident this service will play a key role in sustaining visitor flows while enhancing travel options for our guests,” he added.
This addition further strengthens the airline’s international network, complementing existing special services to Paris – now extended until the end of June – and Rome, operating through the end of April.
Press release from Air Seychelles