Air Tanzania set to begin flights to Seychelles from 1 April

Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is seeking alternative routes after Gulf airlines cancelled flights due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The island nation imports a large proportion of its consumer goods via Dubai and the Gulf states, which could have an impact on the country if the conflict were to continue.

“Having new connectivity will enable us to diversify the Seychelles’ food supply,” said the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Wallace Cosgrow.

“For example, with Air Tanzania, we have the opportunity to import chickens, fruit and vegetables produced in that country,” he added.

The Minister said a delegation from the Seychelles would soon be travelling to Tanzania.

 “They will be responsible for carrying out a risk assessment with meat and agricultural product exporters, and if this proves successful, the Seychelles should be able to receive products from that country,” said Cosgrow.

“This new airline route also presents an opportunity for the fishing industry, which exports its fish,” he added.

Fishing is the second pillar of the Seychelles’ economy after tourism, and the country derives part of its foreign exchange earnings from the sale of fish.

The Seychelles authorities also see this new flight to Tanzania as a potential connection for products from Europe.

Seychelles is currently assessing all options to maintain its aviation diversification in order to serve the country.

Transport Minister Veronique Laporte stated that she was also awaiting authorisation for a flight to Turkey, to replace the seasonal Turkish Airlines flight, which will cease around March 28, and to enable a new connection to the Seychelles.

The country hopes this will help mitigate the impact of the cancellation of flights from the Gulf states, which account for around 30% of tourists visiting the archipelago.

By: Rassin Vannier: Translated by: Betymie Bonnelame / Source : Seychelles News Agency