Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles launched its direct service between Mahé (Seychelles International Airport) and Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport) in June 2023, marking the first scheduled link between the two Indian Ocean island nations. The inaugural flight was welcomed at Colombo with a traditional water cannon salute and cultural performances — a reflection of the genuine goodwill both countries have invested in the route.

Which aircraft does Air Seychelles use on the Colombo route?

The airline operates the Airbus A320neo on this sector. The A320neo is a narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and relatively quiet cabin — a practical choice for a sector of approximately four hours. Seating configurations offer economy and business-class options, and the aircraft is well suited to the leisure and business traveller mix the route attracts.

How often does Air Seychelles fly between Mahé and Colombo?

Flights operate twice weekly in each direction. This frequency supports both leisure travellers building a twin-centre Indian Ocean itinerary and those travelling for business, medical, or trade purposes. Passengers are advised to check the current schedule directly with Air Seychelles, as seasonal adjustments are possible.

What is the codeshare agreement with SriLankan Airlines?

Air Seychelles and SriLankan Airlines have entered a codeshare arrangement that significantly extends the reach of both carriers. Through this partnership, passengers arriving in Colombo on Air Seychelles can connect onward to more than 20 destinations across Asia and Australia on a single ticket — cities including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Melbourne, and Sydney are included in the network. Single-ticket booking also means coordinated baggage handling across connections, reducing the friction of a multi-leg journey.

For travellers originating in Asia or Australia who want to reach Seychelles, the alliance works in reverse: fly to Colombo on SriLankan Airlines, then continue to Mahé on Air Seychelles. This makes Colombo a natural hub for Indian Ocean routing.

Why does this route matter for tourism in Sri Lanka?

The Mahé–Colombo service opens Sri Lanka to a new source market — visitors from Seychelles itself and, more significantly, travellers from East and Southern Africa who transit through Mahé. At the same time, Sri Lankan travellers gain convenient access to one of the world's most celebrated island destinations without routing through the Gulf or Europe.

For Sri Lanka's tourism sector, the timing aligns with broader efforts to diversify arrival markets and rebuild visitor numbers. The country has introduced streamlined visa processes for multiple nationalities, and improved air connectivity from new source regions directly supports those ambitions. Travellers flying into Colombo can continue to almost any corner of the island — from the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa in the north-central region to the wildlife reserves of the south.

What travel documents do I need to fly between Seychelles and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan nationals require a valid passport and, typically, a visa for Seychelles — Seychelles grants visa-on-arrival to most nationalities, subject to conditions. Visitors to Sri Lanka need a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which can be obtained through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal before departure. Requirements can change; always verify current entry conditions through the respective official immigration authorities before booking.

How does the route support medical tourism and trade?

Sri Lanka has developed a recognised medical tourism sector, with hospitals in Colombo offering specialist services at internationally competitive standards. The direct air link removes what was previously a cumbersome multi-stop journey for Seychellois patients and their families. On the trade side, the route facilitates the movement of goods and business delegations between two economies that share complementary strengths — Sri Lanka's manufacturing, tea, and gemstone sectors alongside Seychelles' fisheries and financial services.

Is Colombo a practical hub for an Indian Ocean twin-centre trip?

Sri Lanka and Seychelles make a natural pairing for travellers who want to combine cultural depth with beach relaxation. Sri Lanka offers a dense itinerary — colonial port cities, highland tea country, and wildlife reserves such as Udawalawe National Park — within a compact geography that is straightforward to navigate in one to two weeks. Seychelles offers the archetypal Indian Ocean beach escape. The four-hour sector between Mahé and Colombo keeps the journey itself manageable, and the codeshare network means onward Asian connections can be added without switching booking systems.

Travellers combining both destinations should consider which country to use as the entry point based on their wider itinerary. Those coming from Asia or Australia may find it more logical to visit Sri Lanka first, then cross to Seychelles; those originating in Europe or Africa may prefer the reverse order.

What should I know about Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo)?

Bandaranaike International Airport, officially coded CMB, is located at Katunayake, roughly 30 kilometres north of Colombo city centre. The airport handles international arrivals across a single terminal and has a range of transfer and accommodation options close by. Journey time to central Colombo by road is typically 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic, and private transfer services are available from within the arrivals area. For travellers arriving late or departing early, there are airport-adjacent hotels within a short drive of the terminal.

What is the baggage policy on Air Seychelles flights?

Baggage allowances vary by fare class and booking channel. As a general guide, economy-class passengers on Air Seychelles international routes typically receive a checked baggage allowance alongside a standard carry-on. Passengers connecting onto SriLankan Airlines under the codeshare arrangement should confirm the through-baggage policy at the time of booking, as allowances can be governed by the most restrictive carrier on the itinerary. Always verify the current policy directly with Air Seychelles before travel.