As the global aviation industry continues to adapt to changing seasonal demands and operational realities, Air Mauritius has announced a strategic reshaping of its flight schedule for the upcoming 2025/26 winter season. Covering key routes in Africa, Europe, and Asia, the airline is set to reduce flight frequencies to several major cities, including Geneva, London, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, and Paris.
While some travelers may be surprised by the scale of these changes, the airline assures that the seasonal adjustments are part of a broader optimization plan to maintain operational efficiency, match demand, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Strategic Cuts to Match Seasonal Demand
From late October 2025 through March 2026, Air Mauritius will implement a series of targeted frequency reductions designed to align with the lower travel volumes typical of the Northern Hemisphere winter.
Among the most notable changes:
- London Gatwick: Reduced from 7 to 5 weekly flights starting October 16, 2025
- Paris Charles de Gaulle: Reduced from 7 to 6 weekly flights from March 2 to 28, 2026
- Geneva: Cut from 2 to 1 weekly flight between January 17 and March 27, 2026
- Mumbai: Adjusted from 4 to 3 weekly flights from October 26 to December 5, 2025
- Kuala Lumpur: Will operate 4 weekly flights from November 6 to January 16, then drop to 2 weekly from January 17 to March 26, 2026
- Antananarivo: Temporary reduction from 5 to 4 weekly flights from December 21, 2025, to January 17, 2026
In contrast, the airline is boosting connectivity where demand justifies it. The Mauritius–Cape Town route, for example, will see an increase from two to four weekly flights between December 17, 2025, and January 13, 2026.
A Sign of Maturity and Recovery
While any news of flight reductions may raise concerns, it’s important to understand the broader context. Air Mauritius has emerged from a turbulent financial past and is showing signs of real progress. The airline reported a €4.9 million profit for the first quarter of the 2025 financial year (April to June)—its best result in nearly a decade.
Passenger revenue reached €115.4 million, supported by a 0.8% year-on-year rise in travelers, totaling just over 403,000 passengers. The airline’s overall load factor also improved by 4.7 percentage points, signaling better seat utilization and network performance.
Rather than a step backward, the current schedule reductions reflect a growing maturity in Air Mauritius’ operations—cutting unnecessary capacity during low-demand months, and focusing resources where they’re most effective.
The Search for a Strategic Partner
Despite this positive momentum, the airline’s long-term financial health is still tied to its ability to find a strong strategic partner. The Mauritian government, which owns the majority stake in Air Mauritius through Airport Holdings Ltd (AHL), has opened a formal request for proposals from foreign investors.
The goal: sell up to 49% of the airline while maintaining at least 51% domestic ownership and control. Qatar Airways was initially seen as a potential partner, given its reputation for excellence and global reach, but has since confirmed it will not pursue a stake in Air Mauritius.
This leaves the door open for other international carriers or investors to step in and contribute both capital and expertise.
A Balancing Act for International Routes
The seasonal reduction strategy also reflects the delicate balancing act Air Mauritius must maintain. On one hand, the airline needs to offer global connectivity to support tourism and business links. On the other, it must avoid the pitfalls of running under-capacity flights that drain profitability.
By carefully adjusting flight frequencies rather than suspending routes altogether, Air Mauritius is ensuring continued presence in key markets while saving operational costs.
The affected destinations remain important parts of the airline’s network. These changes are simply timed to coincide with lower demand, and flights are expected to return to higher frequencies during the high season.
Aircraft and Passenger Comfort Remain Priorities
All of the adjusted routes—whether reduced or increased—will continue to be serviced by the airline’s modern fleet of Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft. These long-haul jets are configured to provide optimal comfort for international travelers.
Passengers can expect:
- Ergonomic seating
- Lie-flat beds in business class
- On-demand in-flight entertainment
- Quiet engines and fuel-efficient performance
Despite the scheduling changes, Air Mauritius remains committed to maintaining a premium travel experience.
What This Means for Travelers
If you’re planning to visit Mauritius between October 2025 and March 2026, especially from Europe or Asia, it’s a good idea to book flights well in advance. With fewer weekly options on some routes, popular travel dates—particularly around Christmas and New Year’s—may sell out faster than usual.
Travelers from the UK, France, Switzerland, Malaysia, and India should keep an eye on revised timetables and consider booking flexible fares when available.
At the same time, travelers from South Africa will enjoy more frequent options during the summer holidays, thanks to the increased service to Cape Town.
Financial Health Is Improving
There’s no denying that Air Mauritius has had its share of challenges, especially during and after the global pandemic. However, the recent profit announcement and operational refinements suggest the airline is finding its footing again.
The upcoming winter schedule, though leaner in some areas, is also smarter—designed to protect profitability while still serving a wide range of international destinations.
Even without a confirmed strategic partner, the airline is proving its ability to manage seasonal shifts, respond to demand patterns, and maintain a robust global presence.
Where to Stay While in Mauritius
If your trip is already booked—or you’re waiting for your favorite route to reopen at full capacity—consider staying at the Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
Perfectly located on the northwest coast, just a 1-hour drive from the airport, this luxury resort is a guest favorite for a reason. Here’s why:
- Beachfront suites and villas, many with private pools
- Six restaurants offering global cuisine
- A serene spa for ultimate relaxation
- A world-class diving center and water sports hub
- A family-friendly atmosphere with a kids’ club and teen zone
It’s the ideal place to recover from a long flight or to make your tropical holiday truly unforgettable—no matter how frequently the planes are flying.
