Emirates to launch flights to the Seychelles

Emirates is to launch flights to the picturesque islands of the Seychelles from January 2, 2005. The airline will initially offer three non-stop flights a week to the island paradise.

Operating out of Dubai International Airport, outbound flight EK705 will depart every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:10 am and arrive in the Seychelles the same morning at 6:45 am. Return flight EK 706 will operate on the same days, taking off from the Seychelles at 8:00 am and arriving in Dubai at 12:30 pm.

The A330-200 aircraft which Emirates will use on this new route carries 54 Business class and 183 Economy class passengers as well as 15 tonnes of cargo.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Group said: “We are delighted to offer yet another exciting destination to our customers. The new Emirates service will offer excellent connections for travellers from the Middle East, Europe and the Indian Sub-Continent to the Seychelles.”

Sheikh Ahmed added: “I am confident that the Seychelles will benefit from the increased inbound tourism and trade, as well as from Emirates direct investment in the country’s economy through its new offices in the airport and city centre, and the new jobs they will create.”

Sheikh Ahmed also noted that the Seychelles is an increasingly popular destination for leisure tourists from the Middle East and Europe, facilitated by the government’s decision to allow visa-free entry for all nationalities.

The Seychelles comprises more than one hundred beautiful coral islands and offers a multitude of options for outdoor and water sport activities, as well as rejuvenating spas.