Negotiations continue to bring Aeroflot flights back to Seychelles earlier than planned, according to the Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Veronique Laporte.
Mrs Laporte said Aeroflot’s suspension was planned because the service operates on a seasonal basis.
“I know there was a bit of negativity when Aeroflot stopped its season. It has always been the case. Aeroflot is a seasonal flight, it is not an all-year flight,” she said.
The minister said discussions with Russian authorities and the airline remain ongoing.
She said President Patrick Herminie raised the matter during a visit to Russia. She added that she also held discussions at ministerial level and with airline representatives.
“We are continuing the conversation and now they have indicated that they will be coming back early, but it’s not a confirmation,” Mrs Laporte said.
She said Aeroflot had originally planned to resume flights in October. However, Seychelles is seeking an earlier return.
“They were supposed to come back in October, but we are aiming for them to come back even in July,” she said.
Mrs Laporte said the government would continue discussions at all levels to support an earlier resumption.
She also noted that airlines usually plan operations up to a year in advance.
“So for them to come back to Seychelles they will probably have to review a route to provide a plane to Seychelles,” she said.
The minister said she understood the challenges involved. However, she welcomed what she described as a positive response from the airline.
“I’m very happy that they are being very positive about it and they are looking for ways to come back to Seychelles,” she said.
Mrs Laporte said she had no further details about flight frequencies at this stage.
She added that authorities would provide more information once they receive confirmation.
“July has been flagged but as soon as we get confirmation we will let it be known,” she said.