Mauritius Denies Landing to Israeli Charter Flight Amid Diplomatic Concerns

A charter flight operated by Air Seychelles from Israel to Mauritius was canceled at the last minute due to the island nation's refusal to grant landing permission. The flight, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, was called off just before departure, according to the tour operator, the private firm Spirit Afakot Olam. The company stated that Mauritius authorities rescinded the landing permit without providing clear technical reasons, despite Spirit Afakot Olam having secured all necessary approvals months in advance.

Efforts to resolve the situation through aviation authorities continued overnight, but Mauritius remained firm in its decision. The tour operator's management suggested that unofficial information indicates the denial was driven by "political-diplomatic considerations" from the island state. No official confirmation has been issued by the Mauritian authorities.

The canceled flight was a direct charter organized by Spirit for its clients. Air Seychelles recently resumed direct weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Mahé, the main island of Seychelles, which takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes. From Mahé, Air Seychelles also operates flights to Mauritius, making Seychelles a transit point for Israeli tourists heading to the island.