# Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)

> Victoria, SC · 10 km (6 mi) southeast of Victoria

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/sez
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/sez.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: SEZ
- **ICAO**: FSIA
- **Timezone**: Indian/Mahe
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 1.0M/yr
- **Hub for**: Air Seychelles
- **Official site**: https://seychellesairports.sc

## Overview

## 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.

## Terminals (2)

- **Domestic Terminal** — Air Seychelles
- **International Terminal** — Air Seychelles, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates

## Dining (5)

- **Burger King** — International · Fast Food · $$
- **Café Paradiso** — International · Local · Snacks · $$
- **SeyBar** — International · Local · Snacks
- **Takamaka Bay Bar** — International · Local · Cocktails · $$
- **The Coffee Club** — International · International · Thai · $$

## Lounges (3)

- **Payanke Lounge** — Domestic · Air Seychelles, Priority Pass
- **Vallee De Mai Lounge** — International · Air Seychelles, Priority Pass · $45
- **VIP Lounge** — International · Air Seychelles, Priority Pass · $230

## Shops (12)

- **Antigone** — Domestic · Fashion
- **Artisan des Iles** — International · Souvenirs
- **Buy & Fly Souvenir Boutique** — Domestic · Souvenirs
- **Coco D’amour** — International · Fashion
- **Exotic Scents** — International · Beauty
- **Jouel** — International · Fashion
- **La Buse Shop** — International · Souvenirs
- **Queen Creole** — International · Fashion
- **Sey Wei Toys** — International · Toys
- **SeyTravellers** — Domestic · Souvenirs
- **STC Duty Free** — International · Duty Free
- **Traveller’s Edition** — International · Books

## Parking (7)

- **Accessible Parking** — SCR 100/day, SCR 10/hr · next to terminal
- **EV Charging Stations** — SCR 150/day, SCR 15/hr · next to terminal
- **Long Stay Parking** — Long stay · SCR 50/day, SCR 5/hr · 0.5 mi
- **Official Off-Site Shuttles** — 1 mi
- **Remote Parking** — Remote · SCR 30/day, SCR 3/hr · 1 mi
- **Short Stay Parking** — Short stay · SCR 100/day, SCR 10/hr · next to terminal
- **Valet Parking** — Valet · SCR 200/day, SCR 20/hr · next to terminal

## Ground transport (3)

- **Car Rental** — Other
  Prior booking is recommended.
- **Public Bus** — Bus · 20–23 min (can be up to 60 min in peak traffic) · $0.40–0.50 · Every 20–30 min · ~05:30–20:00/20:30
  Bus cards can be purchased online or at the airport.
- **Taxi Services** — Taxi · 8–10 min · $40–50 / ~€19 ≈ SCR 300 · On demand · 24/7
  Taxi stands are located outside the arrivals terminal.

## 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.
