Nouakchott International Airport

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport serves as the modern aerial gateway to Mauritania, rising like a mirage amidst the golden desert sands to the north of the capital. Opened in 2016, this airport replaced the old city terminal, offering travellers a renewed level of comfort and safety combined with the unique atmosphere of the Sahara. The terminal building, designed in a style that reflects local architecture and dunes, becomes the first vivid impression for tourists arriving in this enigmatic African nation.

Airport Features and Amenities

Oumtounsy Airport is designed according to modern standards and is capable of handling even the largest airliners. Inside, passengers will find a spacious yet intuitive terminal. Special attention has been paid to the country's religious traditions: comfortable prayer rooms are available here. A VIP Lounge is provided for waiting for flights, offering Wi-Fi and light refreshments, which is particularly useful as the selection of cafes and shops in the general area may be limited.

Travellers should note that the airport is located at a distance from the city, and public transport is not well developed. The main way to get to your hotel remains by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. It is recommended to agree on the price of the trip before getting into the car, as there are often no fixed rates. Additionally, small Duty Free outlets operate at the airport, where you can purchase souvenirs and travel essentials.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by Aéroports de Mauritanie (ADM). Current information can be found on their official website: www.adm.mr.
• Information Service Phone: For general information about flights, services, and airport operations, you can call: +222 45 24 20 00.
• Address: Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), Oumtounsy, located approximately 25 km north of the city of Nouakchott, Mauritania.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the contact email listed on the operator's official website, for example, contact@adm.mr.
• Social Media: You can follow news and airport updates on the official pages of Aéroports de Mauritanie on social networks, such as Facebook.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative directly at the airport. If this does not resolve the issue, contact the baggage tracing service; contact details can be clarified at the information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Assistance to passengers is provided at information desks located within the terminal building. You can also use the general information service phone number for consultations.

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) is located approximately 25 kilometres north of the city centre of Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. You can reach it in several ways, with taxis being the most common. The journey from the city centre usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, however, we recommend setting off with extra time, especially during peak hours.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most convenient and fastest ways to get to the airport. Taxis are easy to find anywhere in the city. A key point: most cars are not equipped with meters, so it is critically important to agree on the price with the driver before the trip begins. This is standard practice and will help avoid misunderstandings. For maximum comfort and a fixed cost, you can pre-book a transfer through your hotel or a specialised online service. This option is particularly convenient for travellers with large luggage or for night flights.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there is no direct public transport connection between the centre of Nouakchott and the airport. Specialised shuttle buses do not run to the airport, and city minibuses have complicated routes and are not designed for carrying luggage, making them an extremely inconvenient choice for tourists.

For those who value independence, car rental is available. Several international and local rental agencies have offices in Nouakchott. This is an excellent option if you plan to travel around the surrounding areas, but please note that driving in the city requires a certain level of skill. A modern car park is equipped at the airport, where you can leave your car for both short and long periods.

To summarise, for a trip to Nouakchott airport, the most practical choice would be a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Whichever method you choose, plan to leave no later than 2.5–3 hours before your flight's departure to calmly go through check-in and pre-flight security.

Nouakchott International Airport (NKC), also known as Nouakchott–Oumtounsy, is a modern aviation hub opened in 2016. Its structure is simple and convenient for passengers: the airport consists of one main passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This saves travellers from the need to move between different buildings, making the transfer or navigation process as clear as possible.

The terminal is designed according to a standard two-level scheme, which significantly simplifies orientation. The Departure Zone is located on the upper floor and includes check-in counters, passport control and security checkpoints, as well as shops and waiting lounges. The Arrival Zone is located on the lower, ground floor, where passengers go through border control, collect luggage, and proceed to taxi stands and the car park. Thanks to clear signage in Arabic, French, and English, it is practically impossible to get lost in the airport.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, the concept of "transfer between terminals" does not exist here. If you have a connecting flight, you will simply need to follow the signs for transit passengers without leaving the sterile area. This makes transfers in Nouakchott fast and convenient compared to large multi-terminal airports.

For a comfortable passage through all pre-flight formalities, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance. For international flights, allow at least 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — about 1.5-2 hours. Despite the modernity of the terminal, queues can occur at check-in counters and control points during peak hours. Having a sufficient time buffer will allow you to calmly check in your luggage, pass security, and find your boarding gate without unnecessary haste.

Speaking about the history of the aerial gateway of Nouakchott, it is important to clarify a detail. Historically, the IATA code NKC belonged to the old International Airport, which was located in the city centre. In 2016, it was closed, and all flights were transferred to the new, modern Nouakchott–Oumtounsy Airport (IATA: OOK), to which the practical information on this page is dedicated. Nevertheless, the history of the old airport is a significant chapter in the development of the capital of Mauritania.

The old airport was opened in the 1960s, shortly after Nouakchott became the capital of the young independent nation. In those years, the city grew rapidly from a small settlement, and the construction of the airport became a key stage in its development. For a country largely covered by desert, air communication was of strategic importance, and NKC was a vital artery for political, economic, and cultural ties.

The main feature and, over time, the main problem of the airport became its location — right within the limits of the expanding city. What was once the outskirts turned into densely populated districts. This created not only noise pollution but also risks to flight safety, and completely excluded the possibility of further extending the runway to accommodate large modern aircraft.

The decision to radically modernise the capital's air gateway led to the construction of a completely new airport. In June 2016, ahead of the Arab League summit, the old NKC airport ceased operations. All operational activities were transferred to the new Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (OOK), located 25 km north of the city. This event marked the end of the history of the old airport and the beginning of a new era in the aviation of Mauritania.

Interesting fact: after closure, the territory of the old airport was not abandoned. The land in the centre of the capital became a valuable resource for urban development. New projects are being implemented on its site, and the former airport continues to serve the development of Nouakchott, but in a completely different capacity, remaining an important part of its history and urban landscape.

Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although it is not the largest aviation hub, conditions have been created here for both relaxation and handling business matters before departure.

In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat or drink coffee. Duty Free shops are also in operation, offering a standard range of goods: perfumes, alcohol, tobacco products, and souvenirs. For a more comfortable wait, VIP Lounges are provided, access to which can be obtained for a fee or via airline privilege cards. Here, passengers are offered beverages, snacks, and a quieter atmosphere.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting lounges. For financial transactions, bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are available where you can exchange money for Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU). In case of necessity, passengers can contact the medical point for first aid.

Rooms for mothers and children are equipped for travellers with little ones. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance in moving around the terminal; it is recommended to notify your airline in advance for this. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several hotels are located in close proximity to it. Basic business services are also offered to business travellers, though specialised conference rooms are absent.

Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) offers passengers several basic dining options to have a snack before departure or after arrival. Although the selection of establishments here is not as wide as in major global hubs, you will be able to find places to drink coffee, eat a sandwich, or order a more substantial meal. The main food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal building.

In the public area of the airport (landside), before passing through passport control and security, there is usually a main cafe or restaurant. This is an ideal place for those seeing someone off and those with plenty of time before their flight. In the secure departure area (airside), after all formalities, there is typically a small cafe or bar where you can pass the time waiting for boarding. The assortment here may be more limited than in the main area.

The menu in airport establishments consists mainly of standard international offerings: coffee, tea, soft drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. Sometimes you can find more substantial dishes, such as pasta or chicken dishes. If you want to experience the local culture, look for traditional Mauritanian mint tea — it may be served in one of the cafes. As for specific local dishes, their selection at the airport will likely be minimal.

Since Mauritania is an Islamic country, virtually all food offered at the airport will comply with Halal standards. Finding vegetarian options, such as vegetable sandwiches or salads, is possible, but the choice will be small. Specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes are extremely rare, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher than the average in the city.

For a quick snack, coffee with a croissant or a packed sandwich, which can be found in any of the cafes, are perfect. If you are counting on a more substantial lunch, it is best to visit an establishment in the public area before going through security control. The opening hours of food outlets are usually tied to the flight schedule, and they may be closed at night when there are no departures or arrivals. Therefore, do not rely on round-the-clock service.

Planning a trip through Nouakchott International Airport (Oumtounsy) will be easier with our tips. It is a modern, yet relatively small airport, and knowing some nuances will help make your journey more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights — 2 hours. Queues at check-in and security control can be unpredictable, so a time buffer will avoid unnecessary stress. Ensure you have your passport, visa (if required), and ticket to hand. Online check-in, if available with your airline, can save time.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. Always keep valuables, documents, money, and necessary medication in your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will gift you unforgettable views of the Sahara Desert during takeoff or landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely.

Transit Passengers. If you have a connecting flight in Nouakchott, check with your airline in advance whether your luggage will be automatically checked through to the final destination. If not, you will need to go through passport control, collect your luggage, and then check in again for the next flight. Ensure you have enough time between flights for all these procedures.

Customs Control. Upon arrival in Mauritania, you will need to fill out a migration card. Be prepared that customs officers may inspect your luggage. Honestly declare all items subject to declaration to avoid fines and delays. The process usually proceeds calmly but may take some time.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle (it can be filled after passing security) and light snacks. The currency exchange rate at the airport is generally less favourable, so it is better to exchange a small amount for immediate needs, and the main part in the city. For the trip from the airport to the city, consider booking a transfer in advance or agree on the price with the taxi driver before the start of the trip.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, stay calm. Monitor information on departure boards and announcements. The airport has rest areas and several cafes. We recommend having a portable charger (power bank) and a book or downloaded films for entertainment. For long delays, contact your airline representative to inquire about the possibility of vouchers for food and drinks.