Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is not merely an aviation hub, but your gateway to the tropical paradise on the island of Mauritius. It is here that your introduction to the exotic nature and hospitality of this amazing corner of the Indian Ocean begins. The modern terminal, opened in 2013, resembles the "Traveler's Tree" — a spreading palm — in its shape, symbolizing hospitality and the start of an unforgettable journey. This airport is the only international one on the island and is named after the country's first Prime Minister.

The airport serving Port Louis offers passengers a high level of comfort and service. The spacious and bright terminal, covering 57,000 square metres, is designed for the convenience of travellers. At your disposal are numerous Duty Free shops, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, VIP lounges for comfortable waiting, and a spa. Thanks to its strategic location and developed infrastructure, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport serves as a vital transport hub connecting Mauritius with dozens of cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

If you need to contact representatives of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: mauritius-airport.atol.aero
• Information Desk Phone: +230 603 6000
• Address: Airport Terminal Operations Ltd, SSR International Airport, Plaine Magnien, Mauritius
• Email for general inquiries: info@atol.aero
• Social Media: The airport has official pages on popular social networks where news and important information for passengers are published.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost luggage, it is recommended to first contact your airline's representative. You can also contact the airport's Lost & Found service by phone at +230 603 8202 / 8203 or via email: lost&found@atol.aero.
• Passenger Support Service: For consultations and assistance, you can use the main information desk phone number.

You can get to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) from the capital, Port Louis, in several ways, each having its own advantages. The airport is located approximately 48 kilometres southeast of the city, and travel time by car is usually between 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The transport system of Mauritius is based on buses. There are several routes connecting the capital to the airport. For example, bus No. 198 runs between Port Louis (Victoria Square bus station) and Mahebourg, stopping at the airport terminal. The bus trip will take at least one and a half hours, but the cost will be minimal. This method is suitable for travellers without large luggage and with plenty of time to spare.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer significantly greater comfort and speed. This is the most convenient way to get to the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. A car can be found at designated stands in the city or booked in advance through a hotel or online service. It is extremely important to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings. A taxi ride will take about an hour and cost significantly more than the bus, but it ensures a direct "door-to-door" route.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to explore the island independently. Many international and local rental agencies have offices both in Port Louis and directly at the airport, allowing you to return the car right before departure. The road from the capital to the airport follows the modern M2 highway. The main thing to remember: Mauritius has left-hand traffic. The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking for personal and rented vehicles.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is the main air gateway of Mauritius. The airport features one modern passenger terminal that handles all international and domestic flights. The building was opened in 2013, while the old terminal is now used mainly for private jets and special flights. Since all procedures for tourists — from arrival to departure — are concentrated in one complex, navigating it is very simple.

The structure of the main terminal is intuitive and meets international standards. It is divided into two main levels:

• Arrivals Area is located on the ground floor. After disembarking, passengers go through passport control, collect luggage, and proceed to customs inspection. Currency exchange counters, car rental offices, a taxi stand, and a tourist information desk are also located here.
• Departures Area is located on the first floor. Passengers come here for check-in, baggage drop, passport control, and security screening. After all formalities, access opens to a spacious waiting hall with Duty Free shops, restaurants, and boarding gates.

Since all passenger operations take place in one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings, which is convenient for both regular and transit passengers. Navigation inside the complex is facilitated by clear signs in English and French. The terminal space is designed to be open and bright, making it easy to find the necessary zones.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before your international flight. Although the airport is considered efficient, queues may form at check-in counters and security checks during peak periods when several large flights are handled simultaneously. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy to speed up the formalities.

The history of the main airport of Mauritius begins during World War II. Initially, it was a military airfield for the British Royal Air Force, known as RAF Plaisance. After the war ended, in 1946, the airfield was handed over for civil aviation needs, marking the beginning of its new chapter as a commercial airport connecting the island with the rest of the world.

For a long time, the airport was known by its original name — Plaisance. It received its current name in 1987, when it was renamed in honour of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam — the first Prime Minister and "Father of the Nation" of independent Mauritius. As the island's popularity as a tourist destination grew, the airport, located near the capital Port Louis, was constantly expanded to serve the increasing passenger flow.

One of the most significant stages in the airport's history was a massive modernization, culminating in the opening of a new passenger terminal in September 2013. This modern complex, designed to handle 4.5 million passengers per year, not only increased capacity but also became an architectural landmark. Its design is inspired by the Ravenala madagascariensis, known as the "Traveler's Tree", symbolizing Mauritian hospitality.

Today, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is a modern and efficient transport hub that serves as the main base for the national carrier Air Mauritius. It has repeatedly received awards as one of the best airports in the African region for service quality. Thanks to constant development and the implementation of new technologies, the airport successfully fulfils its role as the main point of arrival for millions of tourists eager to discover the beauty of this paradise island.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport offers passengers a full range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Conditions here are created for both tourists and business travellers.

Dining and Shopping. The terminal houses numerous restaurants and cafes where you can taste local Creole dishes as well as familiar international snacks. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a large Duty Free zone with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy unique Mauritian goods, including local specialties, spices, and textiles.

Lounges and Wi-Fi. For passengers who value enhanced comfort, premium lounge zones and VIP lounges are available. They offer a secluded atmosphere, complimentary snacks and drinks, the latest press, and comfortable workspaces. Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial and Other Services. The airport features bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where you can easily exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the medical centre for first aid. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with children, and passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including special ramps, lifts, and escorts.

For Business Travellers and Transit Passengers. Although hotels are not located directly inside the terminal building, several hotels are situated in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering comfortable accommodation and often organizing transfers. For meetings and business events, the airport provides conference rooms and business centres equipped with all necessary equipment.

At Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, you will find various options for a snack or a full meal, located both in the public area and in the departure zone after passing security control.

In the main terminal, in the public area (landside), accessible before flight check-in, there are coffee shops and small eateries. This is a convenient place to have a coffee with a croissant, for example, at the famous `Paul` chain, or grab a sandwich while seeing off loved ones. The main part of the catering establishments is concentrated in the departure zone (airside), after passport control. Here lies the main food court, offering passengers a significantly larger selection.

In the departure zone, you can find international cuisine — pizza, burgers, pasta — as well as try local delicacies one last time. We strongly recommend paying attention to establishments offering Mauritian Creole cuisine. This is a great opportunity to enjoy chicken and prawn curry, seafood rice, or other aromatic dishes of the island before flying out.

Regarding special dietary needs, many restaurants and cafes have `vegetarian dishes`, for example, vegetable salads, pasta with vegetables, or vegetarian curry. It is best to check information about gluten-free or vegan options directly with the staff. Thanks to the multi-confessional composition of the population of Mauritius, finding food with the `Halal` certification in the airport is also easily possible.

Prices at the airport are, as expected, higher than the average on the island. A full lunch will cost more than in the city, but the cost of a quick snack is quite comparable to tourist spots. Most establishments in the departure zone operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last planes, so you will not go hungry even with an early departure or late arrival.

When planning a trip through Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, the main aviation hub of Mauritius, it is worth considering a few points for a comfortable flight. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 3 hours before departure. This time is enough to leisurely go through all procedures: check-in, baggage drop, as well as passport and customs control. To save time, take advantage of the online check-in option offered by most airlines. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening area.

When going through security control, remember the standard international rules. All liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, will need to be taken out of the bag and placed in a separate tray for scanning. An important detail: portable chargers (power banks) are permitted only in carry-on luggage. When departing from the island, try to choose a window seat — this way you will have a chance to cast a farewell glance at the turquoise lagoons and green landscapes.

For passengers with transfers, the airport offers comfortable waiting conditions. There are shops, restaurants, and rest areas here. If you have a long layover, check visa requirements in advance — you might have a chance to make a short excursion to the city of Port Louis or to the nearest beaches. Be especially careful when passing customs control upon entry: strict phytosanitary rules apply in Mauritius. The import of fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds is prohibited without a special permit to protect the unique flora and fauna of the island.

To save money, consider pre-booking a transfer from the airport or use official taxi services. The terminal building has free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation.