PORT LOUIS, Sept 8 – Mauritius is exploring a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways that could include new flights and direct investment by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier as the Indian Ocean nation seeks to broaden its aviation network.
A strategy paper reviewed by Bloomberg News outlines potential cooperation with Etihad and Abu Dhabi across several areas of the aviation economy, including passenger connectivity, cargo, training, aircraft maintenance and other airport-related services.
The initiative forms part of Mauritius’ broader effort to open its airspace to more international carriers and strengthen the island’s position as a regional tourism and aviation hub.
Deeper connectivity with Abu Dhabi could provide Mauritius with access to additional passenger markets while creating opportunities to expand the movement of air cargo and develop aviation-related services around the country’s airports.
The potential partnership extends beyond the introduction or expansion of air services. According to the strategy paper, Mauritius sees opportunities to attract investment from Etihad while developing capabilities in aviation training, aircraft maintenance, cargo handling and other airport services.
Such investments could broaden the economic contribution of the aviation sector, which is closely linked to Mauritius’ tourism industry and its wider international connectivity.
The country’s location in the Indian Ocean makes reliable air links particularly important for tourism, trade and business travel. Expanding the number of carriers operating into Mauritius could also increase competition and provide passengers with more routes into major international markets.
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub could offer Mauritius another connection point between the island and markets in the Middle East, Asia and beyond. The airline has continued to expand its international network and strategic partnerships in 2026.
For Mauritius, the proposed relationship reflects a broader attempt to use aviation infrastructure as a platform for economic diversification, the strategy could allow the country to capture more value from aviation beyond passenger traffic by encouraging investment in services that support airlines and airports. These include aircraft servicing, workforce development, logistics and air freight.
Greater cargo capacity could also support Mauritius’ role as a trading and distribution centre, particularly for time-sensitive goods moving between Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The potential Etihad relationship therefore represents more than a prospective airline agreement. It forms part of Mauritius’ effort to build a more competitive aviation ecosystem while strengthening the country’s connections to global markets.
If negotiations progress, deeper cooperation with Etihad and Abu Dhabi could give Mauritius an additional avenue for attracting foreign capital, expanding international connectivity and developing aviation-linked industries alongside its established tourism economy.
