20^th May 2026

In late 2023, the Chief Executive Officers of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and Air Seychelles took up the “Ramp Up Rise Up Accessibility” challenge — an initiative aimed at highlighting the everyday challenges faced by persons with mobility impairments and encouraging key stakeholders to recognise their social responsibility in improving accessibility and inclusivity.

Yesterday, Wednesday 20 May, the founder of Ramp Up Rise Up (RuRu), Mrs. Christine Winslow, returned to the Seychelles International Airport alongside her son, Jason, who is a wheelchair user. Their visit followed ongoing consultations and collaboration with the Seychelles Airports Authority (SAA) and other key stakeholders committed to enhancing accessibility within the airport environment.

Also present during the visit was the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Airports Authority (SAA), Mr. Colin Chang Tave, who had the opportunity to meet with the Winslows and witness first-hand the progress achieved by the Authority’s Commercial Department and Airport Management team over the past few years. The improvements were demonstrated through Jason’s travel experience at the Seychelles International Airport.

Mr. Chang Tave stated:

“I am personally pleased to affirm that our team has been working towards creating a more inclusive airport experience for all.

“At the SAA, this commitment is reflected in our core value of Customer Focus, where we strive to exceed customer expectations. Additionally, it aligns with our value of Excellence, through which we embrace innovation, continuous improvement, and a culture of excellence in all that we do.

“While there will always be improvements to be made, we are proud of the fact that our airports cater for everyone, inclusive of the visually impaired, physically impaired, and many other persons who may need just a little extra support to navigate an airport.”

Among the improvements implemented are dedicated parking spaces located closer to the terminal, designated pick-up and drop-off points near the Customer Service Desk, and enhanced directional signages on the landside area of the airport.

SAA and RuRu also took the opportunity to discuss future initiatives aimed at further enhancing accessibility for passengers with disabilities and special needs. These include plans to dedicate a space within the departure lounge specifically for disabled and special needs passengers, creating a more comfortable and accessible waiting environment.

Another important improvement under consideration is the installation of a toilet equipped with grab rails within the baby changing room in the departure terminal, further supporting passengers who may require additional assistance.

The two parties also discussed the introduction of Braille on selected signage to better support visually impaired airport users.

The visit served as an important review of the accessibility measures that have already been implemented through the support, consultation, and partnership of RuRu.

Through initiatives such as Project Sam, the SAA continues to place growing importance on accessibility and inclusivity, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that all passengers and airport users enjoy a safe, welcoming, and positive airport experience.

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On Tuesday, 18 November, the Seychelles International Airport recorded one of its cleanest airfields to date following its annual Level 3 airfield inspection.

As part of the Seychelles Airports Authority’s (SAA) continued commitment to maintaining a safe and well-managed airside environment, the exercise brought together several departments to carry out this comprehensive yearly assessment.

These inspections are conducted annually by management teams, with engineers providing support when necessary. Their primary purpose is to assess runway pavement and facilities conditions. They offer an up-to-date and direct assessment of the airfield’s condition, ensuring that any areas requiring attention are promptly identified. These inspections are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) or whenever management deems them necessary.

The activity was followed by a debriefing session, during which only minor issues were noted. Overall, the consensus was that the airfield is currently the cleanest—and therefore the safest—it has ever been.

This positive feedback highlights the effectiveness of SAA’s ongoing maintenance efforts and reinforces the Authority’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and security.

As part of the process, a Level 3 pavement inspection—conducted on foot—is required at least once a year. This method provides a closer, more detailed view of surface conditions and helps detect issues that may impact operations.

This year’s inspection once again reaffirms SAA’s strong commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and operationally sound airfield for all users.

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On Sunday, 3rd May 2026 at 06.35 a.m., Seychelles International Airport proudly welcomed the inaugural flight of Air Tanzania.

Present at the airport to witness this historic event were the Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Ms. Veronique Laporte; the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Amanda Bernstein; the Principal Secretary for Ports and Civil Aviation, Mr. David Bianchi; the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Airports Authority (SAA), Mr. Colin Chang Tave; the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Mr. Garry Albert as well as other representatives from SAA, SCAA, and Air Seychelles.

The occasion stands as a testament to the continued strengthening of seamless air connectivity within Africa and the enhancement of air links across the East African region and the Indian Ocean. The launch of this new service represents a significant step forward in improving regional mobility and fostering stronger economic, tourism, and cultural ties between Seychelles and Tanzania. It will facilitate more efficient travel within Africa and beyond through expanded hub- to- destination links.

To commemorate the occasion a short ceremony was held at the airport where upon her arrival, the Air Tanzania Airbus A220 was greeted with a traditional water-cannon salute.

Among the passengers on board were the Minister for Transport of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Professor Makame Mbarawa; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Ngwaru Jumanne Maghembe; the Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Infrastructure, Mr. Moshi Selemani Kakoso; and Members of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Infrastructure and several Members of Parliament.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially welcome the first passengers and crew to Seychelles. This was followed by a short tête-à-tête meeting led by Minister Laporte, during which it was discussed that the primary focus would be to further explore the two routes and maximise capacity between Seychelles and Tanzania.

In his opening remarks, PS Bianchi welcomed Air Tanzania into the growing network of airline partners. He underlined that their arrival in Seychelles is a testament to their confidence in Seychelles as a destination and in the continued growth potential of our aviation sector.

“The introduction of this service between Dar es Salaam and Seychelles marks another significant step in enhancing regional connectivity within Africa and across the Indian Ocean. It reinforces our commitment to supporting greater mobility for air passengers and fostering deeper cultural, economic, tourism and trade exchanges. It offers increased travel options and improved access to Seychelles via Tanzania.” he said.

Addressing the ceremony, Professor Makame Mbarawa said that this new route is a symbol of progress, strategic cooperation, shared vision and a renewal of aspiration between Tanzania and Seychelles where it builds a vital bridge connecting market, people-to-people links and economic opportunities. Furthermore, he stated that it provides a unique opportunity to show the tourism treasures and vibrant cultures from both nations.

“This is a clear testament that air transport is a key driver of modern economic development. The direct link connections will bring significant benefits including reducing travel time and lower cost between Tanzania and Seychelles. Secondly, it will improve convenience for people and business travelers,” said Professor Mbarawa.

Air Tanzania will operate three times a week—on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—arriving in Seychelles at 06:15 LT and departing for Dar es Salaam at 07:15 LT.

Passengers arriving on the inaugural flight were welcomed with local souvenirs and cultural performances by traditional dancers, offering them a warm Seychellois reception.

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27^th October 2025

On Monday, 27th October, the Seychelles Airports Authority proudly welcomed and celebrated the much-anticipated inaugural flight of Discover Airlines; the newest addition to Lufthansa Group’s presence in Seychelles.

To commemorate the occasion, an inaugural ceremony was held at the Air Seychelles VIP Lounge, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding, robust air connectivity between Germany and Seychelles.

Upon arrival, the A330 aircraft, of which the carrying capacity is 130 passengers, was doused with a water-canon salute, after which a ribbon-cutting ceremony was undertaken officially welcoming the first passengers and the crew to our islands.

Mr. Bernd Bauer, Chief Executive Officer Discover Airlines expresses, “It’s not every day that we get to launch a new route as an airline. That’s why we’re thrilled to be here today, marking the start of this fabulous new direct connection – one that significantly expands the overall flight offering from Germany to the Seychelles. We are particularly excited that demand for this route has been so strong that we’ve already decided to operate it year-round – a clear sign of how popular the Seychelles are with travellers from Germany and across Europe. It’s now easier than ever to reach this dream destination from Germany and beyond!”

Passengers aboard the aircraft continuing onward to Mauritius, as well as those arriving in Seychelles were gifted local souvenirs, after which they were regaled by local dancers

Mr. Colin Chang-Tave, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Airports Authority was pleased to welcome Discover Airlines to the Seychelles International Airport.

He says, “We are delighted to welcome Discover Airlines to Seychelles on this inaugural flight, marking yet another milestone in our strong partnership with the Lufthansa Group. This new direct connection to Frankfurt further enriches our expanding network of key European routes and significantly enhances Seychelles’ accessibility to one of our most important source markets.

With the addition of this service, our airport is now served by 11 scheduled airlines, providing connectivity to 15 direct destinations and, by extension, to numerous routes across the world.

As the second Lufthansa Group airline to operate to Seychelles, Discover Airlines’ presence stands as a testament to our shared commitment to strengthening air links between Seychelles, Germany, and the wider European region. This partnership will contribute positively to our airport’s operational performance as we continue to drive development and sustainable growth in the years ahead.

We remain fully committed to supporting Discover Airlines in ensuring the long-term success of this route and in delivering an exceptional airport experience for all passengers. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration as we continue to expand our global reach and connectivity.”

As the newest leisure carrier of the Lufthansa group, Discover Airlines’ long-haul route to Seychelles is in addition to five other destinations in Africa, as well as in various destinations in Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

The airline is starting scheduled operations in the 2025/2026 Winter Season with twice weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation and Marine, David Bianchi, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis, Acting Chairperson of the SAA, Wendy Zialor, Chairman of the SCAA, Wilfred Fock Tave, CEO SCAA, Mr. Garry Albert, and Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, including others.

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About the Seychelles Airports Authority

The Seychelles Airports Authority (SAA) was established under the Seychelles Airports Authority Act, 2024, as the independent corporate entity responsible for the operations, management and oversight of Seychelles’ airports and associated aviation services.

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20 March 2026

As Seychelles marks the 54th anniversary of Seychelles International Airport (SIA), we celebrate more than a milestone in time. We celebrate the gateway that transformed how the nation connects, travels, trades, and engages with the world.

On 20th March 1972, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially inaugurated Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue, marking the country’s entry into the era of modern aviation. Built on reclaimed land along Mahé’s eastern coastline, the airport was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in Seychelles and a clear statement of national vision. By 1971, the runway was already receiving jet aircraft, opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, and international connectivity, and the official opening in 1972 confirmed the airport’s role as a symbol of progress.

Over the decades, aviation in Seychelles has grown steadily, with expanding air services, increasing passenger numbers, and continuous improvements to airport facilities. Today, the airport stands not only as vital infrastructure, but also as a place shaped by the dedication of generations of employees who have helped keep the nation connected to the world.

Looking ahead, the Seychelles Airports Authority will focus on and operational efficiency, while continuing to modernise infrastructure, enhance passenger experience, reinforce safety and security, and promote sustainability across all operations. Investment in airport facilities remains a priority to address capacity constraints and support future growth.

Among the Authority’s key priorities is the continued development of terminal facilities to meet future demand, along with related infrastructure improvements. In the short term, efforts will focus on maintaining smooth operations through ongoing upgrades, replacement of ageing equipment, and enhancements to operational processes, supported by careful financial management to ensure sustainable progress.

Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Airports Authority, Mr. Colin Chang-Tave expresses,

“As someone who has spent the greater part of my career working in the aviation sector, and within the Seychelles International Airport in particular, I take great pride in seeing how far our organisation continues to grow. This milestone reflects the dedication of our staff and our shared commitment to our vision of being a leading organisation bringing excellence to the travel experience.

Every improvement we make is guided by our mission to provide the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and service across Seychelles’ airports and air space, ensuring that passengers, partners, and the wider community can always rely on the quality and professionalism we stand for.

Looking ahead, the Seychelles Airports Authority will continue to focus on operational efficiency while modernising infrastructure, enhancing the passenger experience, reinforcing safety and security, and promoting sustainability across all operations. Investment in airport facilities remains a priority to address capacity constraints and support future growth, as we continue to strengthen our capabilities and ensure that our airports remain fit for the demands of the future.”

The Authority expresses its appreciation to the Government of Seychelles for its continued support, which enables us to carry forward its mandate of developing and managing the country’s airport infrastructure.

As we mark this anniversary, we honour both the historic opening of 1972 and the living institution manned by a devoted and time-tested workforce that continues to serve the nation today. From its reclaimed beginnings at Pointe Larue to its role as a modern aviation destination, Seychelles International Airport remains a powerful symbol of vision, progress, and connection.

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18^th September 2025

Today marks a historic milestone for Seychelles as, for the first time, a Seychellois has been elected to serve on the ACI (Airports Council International) Africa Board of Directors.

Today in Lusaka, Zambia, the 34th ACI Africa General Assembly ratified the election of the Board, which included the appointment of Seychelles Airports Authority (SAA) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Colin Chang-Tave, as Board Member at Large for the East Africa Region for the 2026–2028 mandate.

This appointment places Seychelles at the forefront of aviation leadership in Africa, with Mr. Chang-Tave proudly taking his seat among the continent’s top airport executives. His election reflects the growing role of Seychelles in shaping the future of air transport in Africa and beyond.

Mr. Chang-Tave expressed pride in this show of trust and confidence from his peers so soon after his appointment as CEO. He noted that while his mandate is to represent and advance the collective interests of African airports, his election will also enhance progress for Seychelles’ airports and strengthen Seychelles’ visibility. He also took the opportunity to congratulate our neighbour, Mr. Fabrice Grondin of La Réunion, on his election as ACI Africa President—marking the very first time that the ACI will be led by an Indian Ocean islander.

SAA views Mr. Chang-Tave’s appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Africa’s aviation sector, share Seychelles’ expertise, and foster stronger collaboration across the region.

In addition to CEO Chang-Tave’s historic appointment, two SAA professionals have also been elected to leadership positions within ACI Africa committees, bringing further pride to Seychelles and its aviation industry.

• Alvynas Vidot, Manager (Airport Planning, Performance and Transformation), has been elected as a member of the ACI Africa Facilitation, Technology & Innovation Committee, representing the East Africa Region for the 2026–2028 term.
• Lorella Uranie, General Manager (Human Resources & Administration), has been elected as a member of the ACI Africa Human Resource & Leadership Committee, also representing East Africa for the 2026–2028 term.

Notably, Ms. Uranie was invited as a panel speaker in Arusha, Tanzania, earlier this year, where she addressed the theme: “Advancing workforce equality and diversity in African Airports to build inclusive skies.”

These achievements underline Seychelles’ growing recognition on the international stage, with its professionals now actively contributing to shaping aviation policies, strategies, and innovations across Africa.

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29th December 2025

The Seychelles Airports Authority (SAA) bids farewell to its Head of Security of the past four years, Mr. Sabry Khan, as he takes up a new national appointment.

On behalf of the entire SAA family, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Colin Chang Tave extends sincere congratulations to Mr. Khan on his official appointment as Director General of the Seychelles Intelligence Services. Mr Khan swore in at State House earlier today Monday, 29 December 2025.

Mr. Khan joined the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority / Seychelles Airports Authority (SCAA/SAA) on 10 January 2022 as Head of Aviation Security. In this role, he was responsible for leading and overseeing the implementation of aviation security measures in accordance with ICAO Annex 17 – Aviation Security, as well as the National Civil Aviation Security Programme of Seychelles. His responsibilities included coordinating airport security operations, ensuring effective access control and screening measures, overseeing aviation security training and awareness, supporting risk assessments, and maintaining compliance through quality control, audits, and inspections.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Khan worked closely with key stakeholders, including airport operators, airlines, security service providers, and national authorities, to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference, while ensuring that security measures remained effective, proportionate, and aligned with international standards.

Prior to joining SCAA/SAA, Mr. Khan served as Head of Security at Air Seychelles for 14 years. This followed a distinguished career in the Seychelles Police Force, where his last posting was as a Regional Commander, holding the rank of Superintendent of Police.

While the Seychelles Airports Authority is saddened by his departure, it remains proud of Mr. Khan’s achievements and the valuable contribution he has made during his years of service. SAA wishes him every success in his future endeavours as he continues to serve the nation with safety and security at heart.

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The Seychelles International Airport (SIA) has successfully renewed the Airport Customer Experience Accreditation, Level 2, as awarded by the Airports Council International (ACI) on 10^th September 2025, during the ACI Airport Experience Summit in Guangzhou, China.

This accolade cements SIA’s position and recognition as a thriving international gateway that continues to prioritise the improvement of its customers' experience throughout their airport journey.

SIA first embarked on this Accreditation programme in 2023. Designed specifically for airports, the programme offers a comprehensive framework to measure and manage passenger satisfaction and experience across all stages of their travel, and allows for sharing of airport achievements, knowledge, and best practices. Over the past three years, SIA has made great progress in its customer experience strategy enhancements, through passenger journey mapping, tracking feedback, and addressing key friction points in need of improvement.

SIA, through its renewed recognition of Customer Experience Accreditation, demonstrates sustained progress, its dedication in keeping pace with global passenger experience standards, and the embodiment of Seychelles’ position as a world-class tourism destination through its services.

Accepting this award at this year’s event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Airports Authority, Mr. Colin Chang-Tave, emphasises,

“Today is more than just a testament to the resilience and commitment of our airport community, but also to our shared vision of delivering a world-class experience for every passenger who journeys through our airports."

He adds, “The ACI Level 2 Accreditation demonstrates that we are moving beyond the basics of air travel — we are creating an environment where comfort, convenience, and service excellence are the norm. I am deeply proud of our staff, and the airport community, whose dedication and hard work continue to raise the bar for customer experience. As a newly established Authority, this achievement strengthens our resolve not only to sustain this momentum, but to surpass it, ensuring that SIA sets new benchmarks for excellence in the years ahead, placing focus not only on operational efficiency, but the human elements of the passenger's journey."

Another highlight revolves around CEO Chang-Tave’s engagement with ACI Director General, Justin Erbacci, and Chairperson of the ACI World Governing Board, Candace McGraw.

Key discussions centered on SIA’s participation in the ASQ Departure Survey and the ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation achievements, connectivity, key projects underway for SIA, the recent transformation of the SAA and ongoing ACI support and cooperation areas.

This year’s Summit calls on airports and travel industry leaders to reimagine the airport experience at the intersection of passenger satisfaction and employee engagement.

The Seychelles Airports Authority will maintain close collaboration with all its stakeholders as it advances various initiatives dedicated to enhancing passenger satisfaction and achieving the highest standards in customer experience, ultimately benefiting the industry in the years to come.

Also present representing the Seychelles delegation are Commercial & Corporate Affairs General Manager, Sandra Dubignon; Customer Experience Manager, Michelle Mondon; and Airport Manager (Terminal & Landside Operations), Bertrand Loze.

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