Wednesday, July 9, 2025

The introduction of a direct flight to Seychelles from China marks a significant milestone in travel between the two nations. On July 2, 2025, Sichuan Airlines’ flight 3U3785 took off from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, carrying 120 passengers on the first-ever non-stop route from China to the Seychelles. This new service, which arrived at Seychelles International Airport at 5:38 a.m. local time, offers a more convenient and efficient way for Chinese travelers to reach this stunning island destination.

Before this direct flight to Seychelles, Chinese tourists had to take lengthy, multi-leg journeys, often connecting through cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Addis Ababa. The additional connections made for a tedious and time-consuming travel experience, sometimes taking more than 40 hours in total. Now, with the direct flight to Seychelles, travelers can skip the hassle of multiple stopovers and significantly reduce their travel time.

This new direct route offers a more straightforward and enjoyable journey for tourists seeking a tropical getaway in Seychelles. With just one flight, passengers can avoid the exhaustion of connecting flights and enjoy a much smoother trip.

The new direct flight to Seychelles is scheduled to run every Wednesday in July. Sichuan Airlines will operate five round-trip flights from Chengdu to Seychelles using Airbus A330 or A350 wide-body aircraft. Each one-way flight takes about nine hours, making it a more time-efficient option for those traveling from China.

Here are the flight details:

With these scheduled flights, the direct flight to Seychelles makes it much easier for Chinese travelers to explore the beautiful islands of Seychelles without the long delays and fatigue associated with previous multi-stop routes.

This new route is expected to have a profound impact on Chinese tourism to Seychelles. In 2024, nearly 4,000 Chinese tourists visited the island nation, a massive increase from the 1,080 who came in 2023. With the introduction of the direct flight to Seychelles, even more Chinese travelers are expected to visit, eager to experience Seychelles’ natural beauty and unique culture. In fact, early data for 2025 shows a 45% rise in the number of Chinese visitors, positioning China as one of the fastest-growing source markets for the country.

The direct flight is not just a convenience for travelers but also a boon for the local economy. The increased number of visitors means more business for hotels, restaurants, and local attractions, benefiting the tourism sector in Seychelles. The Seychelles National Tourism Board is optimistic that the addition of this flight will continue to boost Chinese arrivals, helping to further promote the islands as a premier vacation destination.

The direct flight to Seychelles offers more than just a reduction in travel time. It represents an important step in strengthening the ties between China and Seychelles, making it easier for Chinese nationals to visit the islands. With this new flight, travelers can now look forward to a more comfortable, streamlined journey, making Seychelles an even more attractive destination.

For travelers, the advantages are clear: fewer transfers, reduced travel time, and less overall fatigue. For the Seychelles tourism industry, the benefits are equally significant. The direct route opens up new opportunities to attract more tourists, particularly from China, where interest in Seychelles has been steadily growing.

The launch of the direct flight to Seychelles is set to have a lasting impact on the country’s tourism sector. With the convenience of a non-stop route, Chinese tourists are more likely to consider Seychelles for their next vacation. This move not only strengthens tourism ties but also highlights Seychelles as a world-class destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

As more Chinese tourists arrive in Seychelles, the destination will continue to flourish. With increased accessibility, travelers will have more opportunities to explore the stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and vibrant local culture that make Seychelles a truly special place.

The addition of the direct flight to Seychelles is a significant development for both the travel industry and tourism in Seychelles. Sichuan Airlines’ direct route from Chengdu offers a smoother, more efficient travel option for Chinese tourists, opening the door to even greater tourism growth. As more travelers take advantage of this direct connection, Seychelles stands to benefit from an influx of visitors, making the island nation a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and enriching vacation experience.