Qatar Airways Suspends Flights to Seychelles for 'Commercial Reasons'

Doha, June 11 (QNA) - Qatar Airways has announced its scheduled flights to and from the Seychelles will be suspended effective September 1 until further notice due to commercial reasons. The last of the daily services operating between the airline's Doha hub and Seychelles International Airport on Mahe Island will be on August 31, the airline said on a statement carried via its website. The statement said the carrier took the decision after careful consideration by its management team. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the government of the Republic of Seychelles, the local business and tourism industry, our travel trade partners in the Seychelles and countries around the world for supporting what was a hugely popular destination for Qatar Airways since we launched the route back in 2004," Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said. "Unfortunately we have taken the decision to suspend the route due to commercial reasons which is regretted. "We have built up a strong relationship with our partners over the years and will continue to work with them and the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth discontinuation of the route. At Qatar Airways, we always remain optimistic and look forward to the day when we can resume operations to these idyllic islands. "Qatar Airways has informed the travel trade of the decision and all efforts are being made to ensure travel agents, tour operators and individual travelers who have made bookings on the affected route, are re-protected on other airlines or given a full refund," Al Baker added. Seychelles, a 115-island country in the Indian Ocean, was one of Qatar Airways' 128 destinations worldwide as the carrier currently operates a fleet of 124 aircrafts, establishing itself as one of the world's fastest growing airlines. (QNA)