The return of these services, beginning this week with Qatar Airways on 16 June and Turkish Airlines on 17 June, significantly enhances global connectivity and visitor access during the traditionally quieter summer months.

Qatar Airways is the first of the three carriers to resume operations to Seychelles this summer, with its return to Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue marking the start of an expanded summer schedule. From 16 June 2026, the airline will operate four weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, further strengthening Seychelles’ links through Doha and providing convenient connections to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Adding to the positive momentum, Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Seychelles, marking its first summer operation to the destination in three years. Previously, the airline served Seychelles seasonally between late October and March before suspending services during the summer period. The carrier will operate three weekly flights using an Airbus A330-300, connecting Seychelles to Istanbul; one of the world’s largest aviation hubs and a key gateway to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

As Turkish Airlines reintroduces its summer programme, the airline has implemented minor schedule adjustments during the initial launch period for commercial reasons. Until the week commencing 6 July, flights will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays. Thereafter, the airline will increase operations with an additional weekly flight on Fridays, bringing the total to three flights per week.

The Russian market will also receive a welcome boost with Aeroflot scheduled to resume services on 8 July 2026. The airline will operate two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, restoring additional seat capacity from one of Seychelles’ important source markets and providing greater travel options for Russian visitors seeking direct access to the islands. Commenting on the enhanced connectivity, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Ms Vesna Rakic, said:

“At a time of intense global competition for travellers, the decision by Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot to expand their presence in Seychelles is a strong endorsement of our destination. Improved air connectivity is key to tourism growth, giving travellers more choice while strengthening access from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia.”

She further added; “We sincerely thank our airline partners for their continued confidence in Seychelles. Their support is essential to maintaining strong international links and driving the success of our tourism industry. We are also encouraged by ongoing discussions within the aviation sector, with the potential for further positive developments in connectivity. While official confirmations are still pending, the outlook is highly promising. Together with our airline and trade partners, we remain focused on driving demand and supporting the long-term success of air services to Seychelles. “

With increased summer capacity from key international gateways, Seychelles is reinforcing its position as one of the most accessible island destinations in the Indian Ocean. Improved air access remains a critical factor in driving visitor arrivals, and the additional capacity provided by these airlines will support demand from multiple markets while offering greater flexibility and convenience for travellers choosing Seychelles.

According to Amadeus, a longing for simpler times will see 2025 travellers “revisiting destinations from their youth, reliving milestone experiences like honeymoons and gap years, and immersing themselves in the charm of past decades.”

Experts have weighed in, and believe that rather than exploring the unfamiliar, ‘change fatigue’ has led to people wanting to recapture the experiences of their youth, from camping holidays to theme parks and carefree beach days.

Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa says South Africans are not immune to feelings of nostalgia and are also seeking experiences that remind them of holidays and destinations of days gone past.

“It’s not a surprising trend,” says Turner. “With so much going on in the world, ‘nostalgia travel’ really represents a desire to slow down, disconnect, and experience the simpler times of our youth. For Gen X that might mean visiting the ‘Central Perk’ café in New York, while Millennials might want a Harry Potter tour in the UK. And everyone wants a traditional South African beach holiday!”

Feeling nostalgic? Try one of these holidays on for size:

1. An all-inclusive beach resort

Turner says that South Africans love the Indian Ocean islands, especially Mauritius and Zanzibar, often returning year after year.

“It’s a trusted experience,” says Turner. “Partners like Beachcomber or Radisson deliver a safe, family-friendly stay on some of the best beaches in Mauritius. If family holidays mean beach, pool, pancakes, ice-creams and plenty of fresh-air fun, then you can’t go wrong with a Mauritius, Zanzibar or Thailand holiday.”

Even better, if it’s on an all-inclusive basis.

“There is something inherently stress-free and relaxed about an inclusive resort,” says Turner. “Especially if you’re travelling on the South African rand. You’ll know exactly what you’re in for, and really be able to relax and enjoy the type of beach holiday that’s been enjoyed by generations of South Africans.”

2. A family-friendly Berg resort

Closer to home, the Drakensberg offers some of South Africa’s best-loved family resorts where – winter or summer – you can enjoy some serious bonding and outdoorsy action to keep the kids busy. Check out Alpine Heath, The Cavern, Little Switzerland and Cathedral Peak to name a few. “Our blog, The Top Kid-Friendly Resorts in South Africa for Families, consistently ranks among our top read blogs,” says Turner. “More proof that South Africans are looking for a magical family holiday.”

3. The theme parks of Dubai

Known for its shopping and impressive skyline, Dubai also has the most extraordinary collection of theme parks in the world. If you were a fan of Wild Waters or Gold Reef City as a child, Dubai will deliver a dose of nostalgia – and more!

The city’s theme parks include Aquaventure Waterpark, Motiongate, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Legoland and even Ski Dubai!

“The UAE came in at number three in Flight Centre South Africa’s top five destinations in 2024,” says Turner. “And no wonder. It’s a fantastic family destination, with plenty of old school fun.”

If you are considering a trip to Dubai this year, Turner recommends a stay at the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel. “Honestly, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s most-loved family hotels. It has a private beach, five pools and unlimited access to Wild Wadi waterpark – everything you need for a great holiday.”

Another tip from Turner? Make a day trip to Abu Dhabi, where Ferrari World’s F1 simulator, Karting experience and Formula Rossa rollercoaster (the fastest in the world) will satisfy even the most serious of adrenaline junkies!

4. Sun City

Closer to home, Sun City remains a nostalgic favourite – keeping South African families of all ages happy year after year. Both the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course will keep keen golfers happy (and it’s still a bucket list destination for golfers around the world), while the Valley of the Waves and Big 5 Pilanesberg National Park remain two of the biggest drawcards in the North West!

5. A rail adventure

You don’t get more nostalgic than train travel, and global tour operator Contiki has dubbed train travel or the ‘rail renaissance’ as their top trend for 2025. If you’re looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime train journey, consider the Venice Simplon Orient Express, the Rocky Mountaineer or, closer to home, Rovos Rail (which can take you all the way from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam).

But if you’re not feeling flush enough, there are steam train adventures around South Africa. Hop aboard the steam train to Elgin, the Tshwane Express, the Magaliesburg Express, or the Umgeni Steam Railway. The only expectation? Sit back and relax, and watch the world go by – or break out the cards and enjoy some retro fun with the family.

6. A family cruise

Finally, what about a cruise? According to Turner, river cruises are gaining in popularity (again, tapping into the trend of slow travel) as well as themed cruises and digital detox cruises.

“Wi-Fi onboard has improved over the years,” says Turner. “Despite this, digital detox cruises are one of the emerging trends in cruising for 2025. Travellers really want to disconnect and unwind. And throw in water slides, go karts, milkshakes and all sorts of family-friendly fun and you have a great combination for a family holiday.”

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.95 billion and a current share price of AU$17.80 as of 30 January 2025. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.