Air Seychelles axes flights to Singapore

Holidaymakers dreaming of spending the year-end suntanning and snorkeling in The Seychelles may have to make alternative travel plans.

According to Flight Centric, Air Seychelles will suspend its Singapore services from November 24.

The national carrier was the only airline flying non-stop flights to the islands.

Air Seychelles withdrawal from Singapore is said to be due to revenue losses caused by high operating costs, low uptake in seats and cargo space, and low tourism arrivals from the Lion City.

It launched its Singapore service in 1989, but temporarily ceased operations in 2005 for three months during the SARS epidemic.

The airline, which has been facing increasing competition from carriers in the Middle East, is looking to identify new, more profitable routes.

The Flight Centric report added that Air Seychelles and various government bodies have discussed with Chinese aviation and tourism officials the possibility of Chinese airlines flying to Seychelles in codeshare with Air Seychelles to boost the tourism in the country.

“Our new business strategy focuses on maximising revenue by ensuring we have the appropriate capacity on all routes and flights and that we are making adequate use of our fleet," said Bram Stellar, CEO of Air Seychelles.

Singapore isn't the only country affected.

According to The People Seychelles, Air Seychelles will cease its flights to London via Rome and Milan after January 8, 2012. Flights to Paris will be scaled down from January 10, and cease entirely by March 25.

Passengers who have already booked on Air Seychelles will not be left stranded.

The airline has signed code share agreements with Etihad Airways and other airlines to cover passengers affected by the discontinued flights.