How do international and domestic flight connections work in Mahé?

**Seychelles International Airport on Mahé operates normally with regular flights to the Middle East**, including Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi, Emirates from Dubai, and Qatar Airways from Doha. For connecting to domestic flights (mainly to Praslin and other islands with Air Seychelles), **allow a minimum of 2-3 hours between your international arrival and domestic departure** to clear immigration, collect baggage, and check in at the domestic terminal.

**Airport Layout & Connection Process:** The international and domestic terminals at Seychelles International Airport are in the same building but separate sections. After landing internationally, you'll go through immigration (typically 30-45 minutes during peak times), collect baggage, clear customs, then walk about 5 minutes to the domestic check-in area. **Air Seychelles domestic check-in closes 45 minutes before departure**, so factor this into your connection time.

**Missed Connection Protection:** If your international flight is delayed and you miss your domestic connection, **Air Seychelles will typically rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge if both flights were booked on the same ticket**. However, if you booked them separately, you're responsible for rebooking fees (usually around 1,500-2,000 SCR). This is why booking international and domestic legs together is highly recommended. During peak season (July-August, December-January), domestic flights fill up quickly, so a delay could mean waiting several hours or until the next day.

**Best Views on Mahé-Praslin Flight:** **Sit on the left side of the aircraft (window seats A or B) when flying Mahé to Praslin** for spectacular views of the islands, lagoons, and coral reefs during the 15-minute flight. The right side offers better views on the return journey. The Twin Otter aircraft used for these routes fly low enough for fantastic photo opportunities.

**Taxi Costs on Praslin:** Once you land at Praslin Airport: - **Praslin Airport to Anse Volbert (Côte d'Or)**: 350-450 SCR (about 15 minutes) - **Anse Volbert to Anse Lazio**: 400-500 SCR (about 20 minutes) - **Anse Volbert to Anse Georgette**: Not accessible by taxi – you must walk through Constance Lémuria Resort (guests only) or arrange boat access

**Pro tip:** Pre-arrange airport transfers through your accommodation on Praslin to lock in rates and avoid inflated tourist prices. Many guesthouses in Anse Volbert offer free or discounted airport pickup. For Anse Georgette, most visitors combine it with Anse Lazio (both on the northwest coast) and access Georgette via the beach walk at low tide or by booking lunch at Lémuria Resort, which grants property access.

**Important for Middle East Travelers:** Etihad typically operates 3-4 weekly flights from Abu Dhabi (evening arrivals), giving you the option of overnighting in Mahé before your domestic flight or connecting same-day if your arrival is morning/midday. Check current schedules as flight times vary by season.