How to Get to the Seychelles Right Now: Alternate Routes for Fly Fishing Travel

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The Current Travel Situation in Dubai and the Middle East

For many years, the most common route for anglers traveling from North America to the Seychelles has been through the Middle East, particularly Dubai (DXB). Airlines like Emirates made it easy to connect from major U.S. cities to Mahé (SEZ), and many travelers would even spend a night or two in Dubai before continuing on to the islands. However, the conflict that began in late February 2026 between the United States and Iran has significantly disrupted commercial aviation across the region. Several major airlines have suspended or reduced service to Middle Eastern hubs, and the U.S. Department of State currently lists the United Arab Emirates under a Level 3 travel advisory as of April 1, 2026.

While Dubai has historically been the most popular connection point for Seychelles travelers, it is not the only airport affected. Other hubs commonly used for international connections, including Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat, Tel Aviv, and even Istanbul, are experiencing varying levels of disruption due to airspace restrictions, flight cancellations, or rerouted flight paths near the conflict zone. The Seychelles itself remains completely unaffected, and lodge operations continue as normal. For anglers planning upcoming trips, the key adjustment right now is simply choosing alternate routing that avoids the Middle East entirely.

The Two Best Routes to Mahe for North American Anglers

For anglers traveling from North America, the most reliable way to reach the Seychelles right now is by routing through mainland Africa rather than the Middle East. Two hubs in particular stand out as the best options: Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD). Both airports offer strong connectivity from major North American cities and provide straightforward onward flights to Mahé (SEZ).

Depending on where you're departing from, one of these routes may be more convenient than the other. Below is a closer look at how each option works and what travelers should know when planning their flights.

Routing Through Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)

Johannesburg is currently one of the most straightforward alternatives for anglers traveling to the Seychelles. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is a major aviation hub in southern Africa with direct service from several North American gateways.

The most convenient nonstop flights from North America include:

• Atlanta (ATL) to Johannesburg (JNB) – Daily service via Delta Air Lines

• Newark (EWR) to Johannesburg (JNB) – Daily service via United Airlines

Johannesburg is also well connected to other global hubs, which can be helpful for anglers traveling from outside North America or connecting through additional cities. For example:

• Sydney (SYD) to Johannesburg (JNB) – Four flights per week via Qantas (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday)

• Hong Kong (HKG) to Johannesburg (JNB) – Daily service via Cathay Pacific

From Johannesburg, travelers can connect to the Seychelles via Air Seychelles, which operates three weekly flights to Mahé (SEZ) on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday. The return flights from Mahé back to Johannesburg operate on the same schedule.

For anglers planning an overnight connection, one of the most convenient lodging options is the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport, located directly at the airport terminal. After returning from the Seychelles, travelers can easily connect back to North America on the nonstop flights to Atlanta or Newark.

Routing Through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD)

Another excellent routing option is through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian operates one of the largest route networks in Africa and offers extensive service from North America and Europe.

Direct flights from North America currently include:

• Washington Dulles (IAD) to Addis Ababa (ADD) – Daily via Ethiopian Airlines

• Toronto (YYZ) to Addis Ababa (ADD) – Daily via Ethiopian Airlines

• Chicago (ORD) to Addis Ababa (ADD) – Five flights per week (Saturday–Monday, Wednesday–Thursday)

• Atlanta (ATL) to Addis Ababa (ADD) – Three flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

From Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines operates daily nonstop flights to Mahé (SEZ), making this one of the most flexible routing options currently available. Return flights from Mahé back to Addis Ababa also operate daily.

For overnight connections, the DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport is one of the easiest and most comfortable lodging options near the airport.

Tips When Planning Seychelles Travel Right Now

While alternate routes through Africa are working well, a bit of extra planning can make your trip much smoother. The most important advice right now is to build flexibility into your itinerary, particularly around your time in Mahé. With flight schedules still adjusting across parts of the world, allowing an extra night on the front or back end of your trip can provide a valuable buffer against delays or missed connections.

Fortunately, Mahé offers several excellent lodging options for anglers spending a night or two before or after their charter flight to the outer islands. A few reliable choices include Story Seychelles, Hilton Seychelles Northolme, and L’Escale Resort, all of which offer comfortable accommodations and convenient airport shuttles.

Travel insurance is also strongly recommended for any international fishing trip, particularly when routing through multiple continents. Many anglers choose to secure both trip insurance and medical evacuation coverage through Global Rescue, ideally as soon as their trip is booked.

Finally, make use of the many tools and resources available when planning your flights. Google Flights is an excellent way to monitor fares and explore routing options, while route map tools such as Flight Connections can help identify alternate flight paths if schedules change. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to your fly fishing travel specialist with any questions. At Trident, we regularly assist anglers with flight logistics and are always happy to help review routing options when planning a trip.

Travel to the Seychelles Is Still Very Much Possible

While current flight disruptions may require a bit more planning, reaching the Seychelles is still very achievable for anglers willing to route through the right hubs. And once you arrive, the travel logistics quickly fade into the background. The Seychelles remain one of the most remarkable saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world, and time spent on these pristine flats makes the journey more than worthwhile.

Our friends at FlyCastaway and Blue Safari report that fishing across the atolls has been solid, and their teams are actively welcoming guests throughout the 2026 season. With a little flexibility in routing and planning, anglers can continue to experience everything that makes the Seychelles such a special destination for saltwater fly fishing.

Questions?

If you have questions about Seychelles travel or the best routes, give us a call at 888-413-5211 or drop us a line at [email protected]