Overview: flying between the islands
For holidaymakers there is only one everyday scheduled route in the Seychelles: the flights between Mahé and Praslin. All other flights are charters or transfers, which usually go through your accommodation. La Digue has no airstrip. To get there, you fly to Praslin and continue by boat, or simply take the ferry all the way.
| Connection | Route | Flight time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Seychelles, scheduled flight | Mahé to Praslin | about 15 to 20 minutes | Air Seychelles, several times a day |
| Islands Development Company (IDC) | Mahé to Desroches and other outer islands | Desroches 35 minutes | usually via the accommodation on the island |
| Zil Air, helicopter | Mahé to resorts on other islands | e.g. 15 to 18 minutes | Zil Air, at some resorts only via the resort |
Air Seychelles: Mahé to Praslin
Timetable and booking
Air Seychelles flies between the domestic terminal at the airport on Mahé and the airstrip on Praslin. In high season there are up to around twenty flights a day, from early morning until evening. The aircraft are small propeller planes. The current timetable is on the airline's website, and times change with the season.
If you are connecting straight from a long-haul flight, it is wise to allow a buffer. Depending on your ticket, you may have to collect your luggage on Mahé yourself and check it in again at the domestic desk. On heavily booked flights your suitcase may also arrive on a later plane. Air Seychelles will then let you know at the airport.
Luggage
Charter flights to the outer islands
The Island Development Company Ltd (IDC) offers charter flights to the following outer islands: Assumption, Farquhar, Desroches, Alphonse, Remire, Platte and Coetivy. The IDC is a state-owned company that manages the outer islands of the Seychelles. For most of these islands there are no tickets on general sale. The flights are tied to the accommodation and research stations on the islands. Ask the relevant accommodation how the flight is booked.
Desroches
On Desroches there are scheduled daily flights, also operated by the IDC. The accommodation is now called Four Seasons Resort at Desroches Island. Bookings are made only through the resort, not directly with the IDC. The flight takes 35 minutes and leaves from the domestic terminal on Mahé.
- Outbound from Mahé daily at 10:30, return from Desroches at 11:30.
- Once a day from 11 April to 20 December 2026, twice a day from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.
- Return flight from 1 October to 20 December 2026: adults 550 euros, children aged 2 to 11 470 euros, infants on a lap free (as of November 2026).
- From 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027: adults 795 euros, children 695 euros (as of November 2026).
Alphonse and other islands
The IDC also flies to Alphonse from Mahé. For Farquhar, Assumption, Platte, Coetivy and Remire the same applies as above: you book through the accommodation, not through a public booking page. Travel dates and prices are available from them.
Helicopters
Zil Air
Zil Air offers an air limousine service between the inner islands with air-conditioned helicopters. The company advertises the most modern helicopter fleet in the Seychelles and a safety culture under the motto "Safety First". Besides helicopters, Zil Air also uses aeroplanes for charters. Its base is right next to the runway of the international airport. Arriving guests can book a free transfer from the airport to the base, while for other places on Mahé the transfer costs 60 euros each way. The base has a lounge with Wi-Fi.
Zil Air lists 21 approved helipads and 7 airstrips. A helicopter carries up to four passengers. Sample prices for transfers from the Zil Air base (as of November 2026):
- Mahé to the Hilton Labriz on Silhouette: from 1,300 euros, about 15 minutes.
- Mahé to Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité: from 1,715 euros, about 18 minutes. This flight is booked only through the resort.
Prices are per helicopter and per direction. For agents, Zil Air itself gives daytime flying hours, roughly from 6 am to 6 pm.
Helicopter Seychelles
Helicopter Seychelles is a helicopter charter company. It specialises in island transfers, excursions, charters and shuttle sightseeing flights, and uses a Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter. The company offers its customers a "bird's-eye view" of the Seychelles. We could not confirm whether, and to what extent, Helicopter Seychelles still offers flights today. Contact the company directly before you plan anything.
Frequently asked questions
Are there flights to La Digue?
No. La Digue has no airstrip. You fly to Praslin and take the boat from there, or you go straight from Mahé on the ferry.
Can I fly straight on to Praslin after landing?
Yes, that is common. Allow enough time to collect your luggage and check in again at the domestic terminal, and check the baggage limits for your fare before booking. If you arrive late in the evening, the last flight may already have left. You can arrange an airport transfer through the airport transfer service.
Is the helicopter an alternative to the ferry?
It is considerably more expensive than the ferry or a scheduled flight. It makes sense if a resort has no airstrip or if you want to save time. The scheduled flight is the cheaper option, and the ferry is the cheapest. For getting around within the islands, also take a look at the bus.
Back to bus connections or ferries in the Seychelles
