The first of a series of direct flights from the Republic of Kazakhstan landed at the Seychelles International Airport on December 27th, 2022, with 137 passengers on board.
The flight, operated by the national carrier Air Seychelles, was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute and welcomed by the Minister for Transport, Mr Antony Derjacques, and the PS for Civil Aviation, Mr Alan Renaud and the Tourism Seychelles Director-General for Destination Planning and Development, Mr Paul Lebon.
Also present at the airport was Air Seychelles’ Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sandy Benoiton and Tourism Seychelles market Director Mrs Lena Hoareau.
The flight is the fruit of the historic bilateral air services agreement recently signed in October this year between Seychelles and Kazakhstan, allowing airlines to operate direct flights between the two countries.
A seasonal service will run until March 2023, providing twice-weekly flights for visitors from the region. Air Seychelles has further announced additional flights on the route during the festive season.
Tourism Seychelles’ Director-General for Destination Marketing, Mrs Bernadette Willemin, expressed her satisfaction to have direct flights to Seychelles from this part of Central Asia, which can be a closer option for visitors from nearer parts of Eastern Europe.
“Although the market is still a small one for the Seychelles, Tourism Seychelles has been maintaining a presence over the years because we see the potential from the area. Now with this new direct service, we expect to see more visitors from Kazakhstan and its neighbouring region visiting our destination. On our part, Tourism Seychelles is planning to intensify our marketing efforts and increase our promotional activities on the market.
We have already started with a series of collaborations with both local and international partners.
Seychelles has recorded 327 visitors from Kazakhstan from January to November 2022.
