Final approach: Air Seychelles shutters Paris, Madagascar routes amid surge in flights

The suspension of flights to the French and Malagasy capitals is part of Air Seychelles' new strategic transformation plan. (Air Seychelles) 

(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles' national carrier, Air Seychelles, is suspending its services to Paris and Antananarivo as of Tuesday, April 24.

The suspension of flights to the French and Malagasy capitals is part of the new strategic transformation plan aimed at ensuring the long-term profitability and sustainability of Air Seychelles.

All guests scheduled to fly on the two routes beyond that date will be re-accommodated on other flights and will be notified of the changes to their itineraries.

In a press release late last month, the chairperson of Air Seychelles, Jean Weeling-Lee, said, “This transformation plan has been designed to restructure the Air Seychelles business to meet the challenges of the future while continuing to deliver strong results for the economy and people of Seychelles.”

The Seychelles archipelago in the western Indian Ocean is expected to see a major influx of inbound seat capacity this year. British Airways has already begun twice-weekly non-stop flights to Seychelles from London’s Heathrow airport. New flights are also expected from Air France's low-cost airline -- Joon -- in May from Paris Charle de Gaulle and Swiss Edelweiss Air from Zurich in September.

This refocusing of the business also includes a reduced workforce. Air Seychelles already announced that it will be cutting 174 of its staff as it undergoes restructuring. The announcement drew a rebuke from leaders in the National Assembly, who said the cuts must be put on hold, as well as a protest by staff members of the airline in the capital Victoria.

Air Seychelles was established in 1978 and began long-haul service in 1983. The airline maintains a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and 40 percent stakeholder.