Seychelles International Airport

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is not just an air hub, but a true gateway to a tropical paradise, welcoming travelers with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean right during landing. Located on the main island of the archipelago, Mahé, it is the primary transport hub of the country, Seychelles, and the starting point for unforgettable adventures. Opened in 1972, today this airport combines modern infrastructure with unique island flair, creating a holiday atmosphere from your very first minutes on the ground. The airport serves as the hub for the national carrier, Air Seychelles, and receives flights from all over the world.

The airport consists of three terminals: international, domestic, and cargo. The international and domestic terminals are within walking distance of each other, making transfers to flights for other islands of the archipelago quick and convenient. For passenger comfort, all necessary services are available within the terminal complex: currency exchange counters, ATMs, car rental offices, duty-free shops, cafés, and souvenir stalls. Travelers can use free Wi-Fi or relax in one of several VIP lounges offering an enhanced level of comfort. Immediately upon exiting the terminal, one can easily find a taxi or board a public bus that runs regularly to the capital, the city of Victoria.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and rules can be found on the airport's official website: www.seychellesairports.sc
• Help Desk Phone: For general inquiries, you can contact the number: +248 438 4000
• Address: Seychelles International Airport, Mahé, Seychelles
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address: info@scaa.sc
• Social Media: Follow news and airport updates on its official pages on social networks, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you must contact the Lost & Found service of your airline or its ground handling agent. Contacts are usually indicated on the boarding pass or the carrier's website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations within the airport territory, please approach the information desks or use the main help desk phone.

Getting to the Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), located on Mahé Island approximately 11 kilometers southeast of the capital, the city of Victoria, is quite simple. The trip from the city centre usually takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic conditions, making it easily accessible for travelers.

Taxi and private transfer are the most convenient and fastest ways to reach the airport. Taxi stands are easily found throughout the island, as well as at most hotels. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver has switched on the meter. This is the ideal option if you are traveling with a large amount of luggage or simply value comfort and speed.

For budget travelers, an excellent choice would be the public bus operated by SPTC. Bus stops are within walking distance of the terminal. This is the most economical way to move around the island; however, it is worth noting that buses may have strict restrictions on carrying large luggage, and they are often crowded. The schedule is quite frequent, but buses travel slower than taxis.

If you plan to actively explore the island, renting a car will be the best solution. Many international and local rental companies have their counters right in the arrival hall, allowing you to pick up or return the car directly before departure. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to guarantee the availability of the desired model.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, paid parking is provided on the terminal grounds. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available, which is convenient for those seeing someone off or leaving a car for the duration of a trip to other islands.

It is also worth noting that Seychelles International Airport is the main transport hub for domestic flights. Regular flights to other popular islands depart from here, including flights to Praslin Island Airport, which is the fastest way to continue your journey through the archipelago.

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), despite its status as the country's main air gateway, has a fairly simple and understandable structure. It consists of two main terminals: International and Domestic, located in close proximity to each other.

The International Terminal handles all flights from abroad. It is a two-story building with a partially open structure characteristic of the tropics. On the ground floor, there is the arrival zone, where passengers go through passport control, collect luggage, and pass through customs inspection. Tour operator counters, car rental offices, and a taxi stand are also located here. The first floor is the departure zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security screening points, and passport control, as well as a small waiting lounge with Duty-Free shops and cafés.

The Domestic Terminal is a separate, more compact building designed for flights between islands, primarily to Praslin and other atolls. It is located just a few minutes' walk to the left of the international terminal exit; transfer between them does not require transport. Procedures here are significantly faster, which is typical for domestic flights.

The airport layout is intuitively clear, and getting lost here is practically impossible. Signs are in English, French, and Creole. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, as queues may form at check-in counters and security checks during peak times. For domestic flights, arriving 1-1.5 hours in advance is usually sufficient. In general, navigating the airport causes no difficulties even for those flying to Seychelles for the first time.

The history of Seychelles International Airport is the story of transforming an isolated archipelago into one of the world's most desirable tourist destinations. Before its appearance, the islands could only be reached by sea, which took a lot of time and limited the flow of visitors. The construction of the airport became a pivotal moment that opened this island nation to the entire world.

The airport, located near the capital Victoria, was officially opened on March 20, 1972, by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. However, its runway, built on reclaimed land, was completed a year earlier, and the first wide-body aircraft landed here as early as July 1971. This moment marked the beginning of a new era for the country's economy, making tourism its leading industry.

One of the most dramatic moments in the airport's history occurred in 1981, when it became the scene of a failed coup attempt. A group of mercenaries led by Mike Hoare arrived disguised as tourists, but their plan was uncovered, leading to a firefight right inside the terminal building. This event went down in history as the "Seychelles mercenary battle" and left a notable mark on the airport's past.

Since its opening, the airport has been repeatedly expanded and modernized to cope with growing passenger traffic and meet international standards. New terminals were built—international and domestic—for flights to other islands of the archipelago. Regular runway renovations and navigation equipment updates ensure flight safety. Today, Seychelles International Airport serves as a modern and comfortable air gateway, annually welcoming hundreds of thousands of tourists eager to enjoy the paradisiacal beauty of the islands.

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), despite its modest size, offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafés or restaurants serving both international dishes and local Creole cuisine. In the departure zone, there are Duty-Free shops offering a wide range of goods: from perfumes and alcohol, including the famous Seychelles rum, to unique souvenirs, jewelry, and local delicacies.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter atmosphere, the airport features the VIP lounge, Salon de l’Archipel. Guests here are offered comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in waiting halls so you can always stay connected.

To handle financial matters, bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs where you can withdraw Seychelles Rupees are available at the airport. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical point is provided, ready to render first aid to passengers.

The airport cares about the comfort of all travelers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with children, where you can take care of your baby in a calm environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including wheelchairs and escort through the terminal territory. It is recommended to book such services in advance through the airline.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options are located just a few minutes' drive away—from cozy guest houses to luxurious resorts. For business travelers, basic business services, such as work zones and internet access, are provided in the VIP lounge, allowing urgent matters to be resolved before departure.

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), despite its compact size, offers passengers several decent options for a snack or a full lunch. The main catering establishments are located both in the public zone before passport control and in the secure departure zone, so you can refresh yourself at any stage of your journey.

In the public area (landside), on the ground floor of the main terminal, sits the airport's main restaurant—Skychef. This is an excellent place for those who have arrived early or are seeing off loved ones. Here you can have a leisurely lunch, choosing from a menu of Creole and international cuisine. This is perhaps the best choice for a full meal before checking in for a flight. Prices here, as in most airports around the world, are higher than average on the island, but the food quality meets expectations.

After passing passport control and security (airside), passengers enter the departure zone, where there are also several establishments. For those wanting a quick and filling snack, the familiar Burger King is available. Nearby, there is usually a café-bar offering lighter snacks: sandwiches, pastries, salads, as well as a wide selection of hot and cold beverages, including alcohol. This place is great for a quick bite immediately before boarding. Opening hours of establishments in the departure zone are generally tied to the international flight schedule, so they are open even for early morning and late-night departures.

Regarding cuisine, at the airport you can find both familiar European dishes and try notes of Seychelles gastronomy for the last time—for example, fish curry or fresh tropical fruit salad. Vegetarians usually have access to salads and vegetable dishes. Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals) are recommended to clarify the availability of suitable options directly with the café or restaurant staff, as the specialized selection may be limited.

Planning a trip through Seychelles International Airport becomes easier with our tips. The airport in Victoria is relatively small and cozy, but proper preparation will help avoid stress and save time to enjoy the paradise islands.

Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. Although the airport is compact, queues for check-in and security can be longer during the tourist season. It is better to have a time buffer to calmly go through all formalities, drink coffee, or visit the shops.

Check-in and Security: To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Security checkpoints operate according to standard international rules: liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from bags in advance.

Seat Selection: To enjoy breathtaking views, choose a window seat. When approaching Seychelles, the best panoramas of Mahé Island usually open from the right side of the aircraft. Upon departure, the view will also be stunning, allowing you to take farewell shots of the archipelago from a bird's-eye view.

Carry-on Luggage: Besides standard restrictions, pack the essentials in your carry-on: swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and medication. Thus, in case of luggage delay, you can immediately head to the beach. It is important to remember that exporting some souvenirs, for example, the Coco-de-mer nut, requires a special permit. Ensure you have all necessary documents before packing it.

Transfer Passengers: The transit zone in the airport is intuitive. Follow the "Transit" / "Connections" signs. For your convenience, there are several cafés and duty-free shops here where you can pass the time waiting for the next flight.

Customs Control: Upon arrival, you will need to fill out an immigration card. Keep your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation handy—this will speed up the process. When departing the country, remember the rules for exporting local goods and restrictions on carrying currency, alcohol, and tobacco products.

Saving Time and Money: Book a transfer from the airport to the hotel in advance—this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city, so it is better to have a snack before arriving. In Duty-Free shops, you can find good offers, but it is always useful to compare prices with city stores.

If the Flight is Delayed: In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. The airport has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: cafés, shops, and free Wi-Fi. If the delay is lengthy, the airline is obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation depending on the conditions.