Seychelles International Airport

Welcome

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) functions more as a launchpad into the island chain rather than a typical regional travel hub. Nested 10 km southeast of Victoria, it acts as a handoff point where the realities of island hopping and beach-bound transfers begin. With a passenger throughput of just over a million annually, it offers a smooth transition to Africa's smallest country, where ferries and local flights play crucial roles in moving travelers along their journeys.

At a glance

Located on Mahé island, the airport features two terminals: the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. It's notable that Air Seychelles uses SEZ as its hub, connecting travelers to neighboring islands. Despite its compact nature, the airport supports a good mix of airlines including Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways. With a flight path extending to both regional and international destinations, SEZ is the gateway to Seychelles' 115 islands.

Terminals & layout

The International Terminal hosts major airlines and offers several dining options, ranging from a quick bite at Burger King to a more leisurely sip at Takamaka Bay Bar. The Domestic Terminal is primarily dominated by Air Seychelles, supporting inter-island travel. While both terminals facilitate efficient passenger processing, the compact layout underscores the importance of pre-arranged transfers to navigate the limited landside infrastructure smoothly.

Getting to and from the city

For those heading into Victoria, taxi services are the most expedient, whisking you to the city center in about 8 to 10 minutes with fares averaging between SCR 300 to SCR 380 (~$40–$50). Public buses provide a more budget-friendly option at only SCR 5 ($0.40–0.50), but expect a 20 to 23-minute ride that can extend up to an hour in peak traffic. Generous parking options are available if you choose to rent a car, with SCR 50 per day in the Long Stay Parking or SCR 150 at EV Charging Stations.

Traveller essentials

The practical side of travel kicks in at SEZ, where many opt to handle currency exchange immediately upon arrival. Despite limited ATM availability on islands like La Digue, currency exchange services are accessible at the airport. Short-term baggage storage isn't standard but can be organized at the airport police station. Staying connected is straightforward via the airport's free Wi-Fi, allowing you to plan onward adventures without a hitch.

Dining & shopping highlights

The International Terminal is home to several eateries such as SeyBar and The Coffee Club for those needing a caffeine fix. Shopping leans towards the local with options like Queen Creole for traditional crafts and STC Duty Free for necessary staples on arrival or departure. Don't pass up a chance to grab unique island souvenirs at Jouel or Exotic Scents.

Lounges

Travelers willing to pay for comfort will find two lounges in the International Terminal: the VIP Lounge at $230 and the Vallee De Mai Lounge for a more modest $45. Over in Domestic, the Payanke Lounge supports island hoppers looking for a place to relax before their next leg.

Insider tips

• Insider: For a short-term baggage storage solution, the airport police station provides an unconventional, yet practical option.
• Time: For ferry or island-hopping plans, book in advance to guard against peak-season surprises.
• Money: Arrive with sufficient rupees for smaller islands where ATMs aren't readily available, especially on La Digue.
• Avoid: Do not bank on full trip prep at the airport; currency exchange might be necessary here due to limited advance options.
• Local: When deciding between ferry and air travel for island transfers, local airlines often provide faster solutions if your schedule is tight.
• Time: If your Mahé layover is brief, invest in pre-booked transfers from the airport to maximize efficiency.