President Dr Patrick Herminie Commends Air Seychelles for Repatriation Efforts Amid Middle East Crisis
Fresh from a critical repatriation mission that brought stranded Seychellois safely home amid the Middle East crisis, President Dr Patrick Herminie met with the management, staff, and crew of Air Seychelles — the national airline — at State House to personally commend their dedication and professionalism.
The President received a delegation of 18 staff members, accompanied by the Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Mrs Veronique Laporte, in recognition of the airline’s swift and coordinated response during a period of global uncertainty.
In early March, Air Seychelles facilitated the repatriation of approximately 140 Seychellois nationals from Abu Dhabi. The operation formed part of a broader government effort, coordinated through diplomatic and consular channels, to assist citizens who were unable to return home due to travel disruptions linked to the crisis.
During the meeting, President Herminie underscored the strategic importance of the national airline, highlighting the need for Air Seychelles to strengthen its international presence and resume key routes as part of wider efforts to support economic resilience and enhance national connectivity.
Reflecting on the airline’s legacy, a senior cabin crew member with over 31 years of service spoke of the ambition to restore Air Seychelles to the high standards it was known for around the year 2000.
He emphasised the importance of reintroducing local products onboard and incorporating traditional Seychellois elements into crew uniforms, thereby, reinforcing national identity within the passenger experience.
Staff members also raised concerns regarding remuneration. Addressing the matter, President Herminie recalled the founding purpose of Air Seychelles, noting that the airline was established as a pillar to sustain and strengthen the national economy. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the airline continues to play a vital role in national development while supporting its workforce.
The President further shared his personal experience onboard Air Seychelles during his recent state visit to Mauritius, describing the service as outstanding and reflective of the dedication of the airline’s personnel.
For her part, Minister Laporte pledged continued support to the airline and its staff, emphasising the government’s objective of restoring Air Seychelles as a source of national pride. She commended the Seychelles Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Gervais Moumou, for his support throughout the repatriation process.
Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, Captain Sandy Benoiton, expressed appreciation to the President for hosting the engagement, noting that it demonstrates the level of commitment the government is placing on the airline and its future.
The meeting reaffirmed the central role of Air Seychelles not only as a commercial carrier but as a strategic national asset, particularly in times of crisis when the safety and well-being of Seychellois citizens abroad remain a top priority.
