Alphonse Airport

Alphonse Airport is a compact airstrip on Alphonse Island, part of the Seychelles' Outer Islands, approximately 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé. The airport exists primarily to serve the Alphonse Island Resort, a luxury eco-lodge known for fly-fishing and diving. The single runway and small terminal handle light aircraft only—typically DHC-6 Twin Otters from Air Seychelles or private charters. The airport is not open every day; flights operate on a schedule tied to resort bookings, with peak arrival times on Monday evenings, Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday evenings, and Thursday mornings. The facility is basic but functional, reflecting the remote, nature-focused character of the destination.

Getting There

Reaching Alphonse Airport requires a flight from Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Air Seychelles offers scheduled flights several times per week, with the journey taking about one hour. Alternatively, private charters and resort transfers are available. The only way to get to the airport is by air; there are no roads or sea connections to Alphonse from other islands. Passengers should confirm their flight schedule well in advance, as cancellations due to weather are not uncommon. Upon arrival, resort staff meet guests at the terminal and transport them to the lodge via a short drive across the island.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Alphonse Airport is a single-storey building with a basic layout. On arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac to the terminal. There is no jet bridge. The interior consists of a small waiting area with a few seats, a check-in desk, and a baggage claim area. Facilities are minimal: no restaurant, shop, or ATM. Restrooms are available but basic. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, typical of small island airports. Passengers should arrive early for departure, as the process is manual and staff may need to coordinate with Mahé. There is no duty-free or lounge. What the terminal lacks in amenities, it makes up for in efficiency—baggage arrives quickly, and the entire process from landing to exit takes under fifteen minutes.

Alphonse Airport and the Region

Alphonse Island is part of the Alphonse Group, which includes St. François Atoll and Bijoutier Island. These are among the most remote islands in the Seychelles, known for their pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and abundant marine life. The island itself is a coral atoll covered in coconut palms and takamaka trees, with a population of resort staff and a handful of conservationists. The region is a haven for fly-fishing, particularly for giant trevally and bonefish, and for diving on untouched reefs. The Alphonse Island Resort is the only accommodation, offering a luxury experience that emphasises sustainability and connection to nature. Visitors come for the isolation and the opportunity to explore an ecosystem largely free from human impact. The airport is the lifeline: without it, the resort could not operate, and the island would remain uninhabited. The flight over the Indian Ocean, with views of other atolls and the occasional whale shark, sets the tone for a stay defined by remoteness.

Practical Information

The airport is not open daily. Scheduled flights typically operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, matching the busiest times listed: 8 PM Monday, 2 PM Tuesday, 6 PM Wednesday, 11 AM Thursday. Check with Air Seychelles or the resort for exact timings. The airport has no telephone or website of its own; all inquiries go through the resort or the airline. There are no taxis or rental cars on Alphonse Island, as it is entirely owned and managed by the resort. Power outlets are limited; bring a portable charger. Cash is not needed—all expenses are billed to the room. One concrete tip: book your onward flight from Mahé to Alphonse early in your trip, as seats fill quickly and the limited schedule means a missed flight could delay departure by a day.