Written by new-contact on Dec 5, 2014. Posted in On Location

Seychelles aim for Bollywood filming boost with direct Mumbai flights

The Seychelles in the western Indian Ocean want to secure more Bollywood film shoots with the launch of a new direct flight route to Mumbai. Dawn flights by Air Seychelles will leave Mumbai for the archipelago once mid-week and twice at the weekend.

“We are confident these flights will contribute significantly to inbound tourism from India,” said Joel Morgan, the Seychelles’ Minister for Home Affairs and Transport.

“Our archipelago is well recognised as a premiere honeymoon destination and a choice filming location for Bollywood, and with sub five-hour flights, it means we are now more accessible than ever to both business and leisure travellers.”

Added Manoj Papa, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer: “As a popular gateway to India, we have optimised our schedule to offer seamless two-way connections from Mumbai to cities such as Chennai, Delhi and Hyderabad, simplifying the travel options for both inbound and outbound passengers.

“We expect strong feed to Seychelles and our new destinations, Dar es Salaam and Antananarivo, as well as Mauritius and Johannesburg, all of which have a sizeable Indian diaspora.”

Strong access links is a good way to boost production by making it easier for producers and talent to physically get to a filming location. Over the summer, Abu Dhabi made a similar move by launching a direct flight route to Los Angeles, in a bid to attract more Hollywood producers.

Bollywood shoots are making more regular trips to the United Arab Emirates. Recent movies have included Akshay Kumar’s thriller Baby and Bang Bang, starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif.

(Image: Air Seychelles)