Seychelles approves 33 new air service agreements to boost international connectivity

This decision follows recent disruptions in the Middle East, which highlighted the vulnerability of the Seychelles' tourism-dependent economy and its reliance on international air access. The approval allows the Seychelles to ratify these bilateral air service agreements, which will then be registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization. These agreements establish the legal framework for international air services, covering airline operations, routes, frequencies, safety and security requirements, and commercial arrangements.

They are also expected to offer more opportunities for the national carrier, Air Seychelles, particularly in route planning and codeshare partnerships. Vice President Sebastien Pillay stated that work on these agreements was accelerated after the Seychelles faced difficulties when Middle East disruptions affected major airlines' ability to serve the country. The International Monetary Fund, in its 2026 assessment of the Seychelles, noted that the Middle East conflict significantly disrupted air and sea traffic, immediately impacting the Seychellois economy.

The IMF indicated that Gulf states normally account for about 60% of the Seychelles' air connectivity, making air traffic disruptions in that region a primary channel through which the conflict affected the country. The IMF describes the Seychelles as a highl