Seychelles launches first direct flight from Chengdu
Seychelles has welcomed its first direct flight from Chengdu, China, operated by Sichuan Airlines, marking a significant milestone in the country's tourism strategy. The inaugural charter flight arrived at Seychelles International Airport on 19 November, receiving a traditional water cannon salute.
The new route, initiated during President Wavel Ramkalawan's visit to Sichuan Province in September, aims to capitalise on China's growing outbound tourism market. Passengers were welcomed with traditional Creole hospitality, including flower garlands and live cultural performances.
The service launch follows strong growth in Chinese visitor numbers, with 2,035 arrivals recorded by mid-September 2024—an 87 percent increase from the same period in 2023. The National Bureau of Statistics expects these numbers to rise further with the direct connection.
The development stems from discussions at the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing and forms part of Seychelles' strategy to diversify its tourism markets through strategic aviation partnerships.
Source: VoyagesAfriq
