Air Seychelles launches its Paris nonstop flight on March 20, 2026, operated by an Etihad Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The Air Seychelles Paris nonstop Etihad Dreamliner service marks the carrier’s first widebody long-haul operation since 2018, ending an eight-year absence from the European market.
Consequently, Seychelles gains a direct link to one of its most important inbound tourism markets at a strategically critical moment.
Air Seychelles CEO Sandy Benoiton said:
“The introduction of non-stop flights to Paris marks an important milestone for Air Seychelles and for the country’s international connectivity, especially at this time. France has always been a vital market for Seychelles, and this service will provide a convenient and comfortable travel option for both visitors and Seychellois travellers while supporting the continued growth of our tourism industry.”
Reason
The Air Seychelles Paris nonstop Etihad Dreamliner route is a direct response to the Middle East airspace crisis.
Escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran forced widespread airspace closures across the Gulf, disrupting schedules for Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates, the three carriers that normally connect Seychelles to Europe via their respective hubs.
Additionally, the direct link offers passengers a reliable and efficient travel alternative during this period of global travel disruption, while strengthening ties with France; historically one of Seychelles’ strongest inbound tourism markets.
The Air Seychelles Paris nonstop Etihad Dreamliner operates three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Departing Seychelles at 09:00 and arriving Paris at 17:30, the return departs Paris at 19:30 and arrives Seychelles at 07:30 the following morning.
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Furthermore, the Boeing 787-9 is configured with 290 seats — 28 in Business Class with fully lie-flat seats, and 262 in Economy Class with a spacious long-haul layout.
Air Seychelles has indicated the possibility of increasing frequency to four weekly flights subject to demand.
Significance
Air Seychelles suspended long-haul operations in 2018 after deciding that flights to Paris — which constituted 30% of total passenger revenue were unsustainable against intensifying competition from larger European carriers.
Additionally, France alone delivers tens of thousands of high-value tourists to Seychelles each year. Local authorities and international financial institutions project that 2025 and 2026 could set new visitor arrival records as air connectivity improves.
Therefore, the Air Seychelles Paris nonstop Etihad Dreamliner launch directly reinforces Seychelles’ position as Africa’s premier luxury island tourism destination at a pivotal moment in global aviation disruption.
Tickets are available at airseychelles.com, via Guest Contact Centres on Mahé and Praslin, and through travel agents worldwide.
