In March 2025, Universal Air will launch flights between Mayotte and Reunion. Based in Malta, Universal presents itself as a company specializing in serving the Mediterranean. Its arrival on the Réunion-Mayotte line allows it to establish itself in the Indian Ocean.
Officially, this initiative aims to meet the growing demand for mobility between the two islands. Since the end of December, it has been possible to find out the prices by starting a reservation on the Universal Air website. This shows that its prices are between those of Corsair and Air Austral.
Unlike Corsair which does not provide a daily frequency, Universal Air will compete head-on with Air Austral by offering daily flights. This is not good news for Air Austral, which has been attacked on one of its pillars. The company is struggling to turn things around following a period of significant structural deficit under the former management covered by Didier Robert, then president of the Réunion region.
By booking for a departure on March 2, 2025 and a return on March 9, 2025, the price for Universal Air is 403 euros compared to 452 euros for Air Austral on the same dates and 358 euros for Corsair on neighboring dates.
Universal Air is much cheaper for the one-way ticket from Réunion to Mayotte on March 2: 188 euros compared to 300 euros for Air Austral, a difference of more than 100 euros. For the Mayotte-Reunion one-way ticket, Air Austral is 60 euros cheaper: 152 euros compared to 214 euros.
The Air Austral price favors the cheapest to come to Reunion Island from Mayotte, this is undoubtedly due to taking into account the lower purchasing power of Mahorais who wish to come and settle in Reunion Island to increase their income.
Third company serving Mayotte from Reunion Island, Corsair offers a round trip for 350 euros for a departure on February 28 and a return on March 7. Corsair flights are not daily, the frequency is lower. On the way out, the price of Corsair is slightly more expensive than Universal Air, at 211 euros compared to 188 euros. On the Mayotte-Reunion return, Corsair has the same price as Air Austral: 150 euros.
Here is an overview of how Universal Air sells the Mayotte destination:
“Welcome to Mayotte, your gateway to the enchanting Indian Ocean region. Nestled in the heart of this tropical paradise, Mayotte is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable journey through picturesque landscapes, magnificent beaches and a rich cultural heritage. This Mayotte travel guide will help you get the most out of your visit.
Mayotte is a place of contrasts, where Swahili and French influences meet breathtaking natural beauty. Stroll along the beautiful coastline of Petite-Terre, visit lush Mont Choungui and explore the magnificent lagoon, one of the largest in the world. These Mayotte cultural highlights offer a glimpse into the island's rich past and vibrant present. »
M.M.
