British Airways will fly direct from London Heathrow to the Seychelles from March 24, 2018.

The flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from March to October and will be operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.   

Lena Hoareau, Director: South Africa at Seychelles Tourism Board, said the UK was the 5th best performing market for the Seychelles.

“There's been a steady growth in the market in the past two years and the market was badly needing a direct flight. The trade had been asking for this direct service for years,” she said.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances, said: “The Seychelles is one of the most beautiful places on earth and we’re delighted to be adding this collection of islands to our extensive route network. Customers can now get into ‘holiday mode’ even earlier with British Airways’ direct flights from London taking 10 hours, instead of over 13 hours with a connection in the Middle East.”

Return fares start from £699 (R12 600) in World Traveller, £999 (R18 000) in World Traveller Plus, £2 499 (R45 000) in Club World and from £3 499 (R63 100) in first class.

Flights will depart from London at 15h50 and arrive in the Seychelles at 07h00 the next day.

The return flights on Thursdays and Sundays will leave the Seychelles at 09h00 and arrive in London at 16h20.