Following the gradual lifting of the pandemic-related travel restrictions, Air France increases its capacity for the winter season of 2021. The flag carrier of France has resumed its leisure flights connecting Seychelles and Paris.
On October 23, 2021, the Air France Airbus A330 jet with 203 passengers on board took off from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for the flight AF246 to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ). The route was resumed after an 18-month break when the government of France removed Seychelles from the red-listed countries.
With air travel restrictions eliminated, Air France will offer its passengers regular twice-weekly service from CDG airport every Thursday and Saturday as well as returning flights every Friday and Saturday.
Speaking to media on October 23, 2021, the director-general of the Tourism Department of Seychelles Bernadette Willemin outlined that the return of Air France should significantly boost arrivals to the country.
“France remains a market that is performing well for us despite the lack of direct flights and the fact that we were on the red list. […] Having Air France back on our shores is a great moment for our destination. […] We are forecasting the French market would not only do well in terms of visitor arrivals but also to regain its place in the top three markets,” Willemin said.
Around 8,620 travelers from France have already visited the island, the Tourism Department of Seychelles counts. In comparison to pre-pandemic levels, Seychelles recorded 43,297 arrivals from France in 2019.