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Nador International Airport

About the Airport

Nador International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Nador-Al Aroui International Airport is not just a transit point, but a modern aerial gateway to the picturesque Eastern Rif region. The renovated terminal, which opened its doors quite recently, impresses travellers with a stylish design where advanced technology intertwines with elements of traditional Moroccan decor. The airport serves as the ideal starting point for those planning to explore the country's Mediterranean coast or heading on a business trip, ensuring a comfortable start to any journey.

IATA Code NDR
ICAO Code GMMW
City Nador (located in Al Aroui)
Distance to centre ~24 km
Status International
Annual Passengers approx. 1,000,000 (based on 2023-2024 data)

Airport Features and Benefits:

Nador Airport has undergone extensive reconstruction and today offers passengers a high level of service. The new passenger terminal was designed with environmental standards in mind and is capable of handling up to 2 million passengers per year. Spacious waiting halls are filled with natural light, creating a relaxing atmosphere before departure.

Among the main advantages of this air hub are convenient navigation and the absence of long queues often characteristic of capital city hubs. The premises feature cozy cafes, Duty Free shops, and car rental desks. Thanks to its location, the airport provides quick access not only to Nador but also to popular resorts in the region, such as Saïdia.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official website of the Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA): www.onda.ma.
  • Information Desk Phone: For information by phone, you can call: +212 5 36 36 10 55.
  • Airport Address: Aéroport Nador Al Aroui, BP 149, 62450 Al Aroui, Maroc.
  • Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official ONDA website.
  • Social Media: Official news and updates for all airports in Morocco, including Nador Airport, are published on ONDA's social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
  • Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged baggage, you should contact your airline's representative at the airport directly. Airport staff do not handle baggage tracing.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For on-site assistance, please visit the information desk located in the main terminal of the airport, or use the helpline number listed above.

How to Get to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Nador International Airport (NDR), located approximately 24 km south of the centre of Nador. The choice of the suitable option depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. On average, the trip from the city centre to the airport takes about 30-40 minutes.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use the special shuttle bus. It runs between the airport and the Nador bus station. This is a convenient option for solo travellers and those looking to save money. Check the schedule in advance, as it may change depending on the season and time of day. The cost of the trip is generally low.

Taxi and Transfer

Taxi is the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. At the terminal, you will find white "Grand Taxis" that operate on fixed fares. It is recommended to always agree on the trip cost with the driver before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings. The approximate cost of a trip from central Nador to the airport is 150-250 Moroccan Dirhams. You can also book a private transfer in advance through your hotel or an online service, which ensures a meet-and-greet with a sign and a fixed price.

Car Rental

If you plan to actively travel around the Rif region in Morocco, renting a car is an excellent solution. Nador Airport features counters for both international and local rental companies. By booking a car online in advance, you can save time and money. The road from the city to the airport is well-marked and will not cause difficulties for an experienced driver.

Airport Parking

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and offers spaces for both short-term and long-term parking. Rates depend on the duration of parking.

When planning your route, it is also worth considering that there are other airports in the region that might be convenient for your trip, for example, Melilla Airport (33 km away) or Angads Airport in Oujda (about 103 km away).

Terminals and Map

Nador Airport (NDR), also known as Al Aroui Airport, is distinguished by a simple and clear structure, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors. The airport operates one modern passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its compact size, you won't have to worry about transferring between terminals — all zones are located in one building.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Departure and Arrival zones are clearly separated. The ground floor usually houses check-in counters and the arrivals area with baggage claim belts and customs control. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where they pass through passport control and security screening, after which they enter the departure lounge with boarding gates. Despite its modest size, the terminal has everything necessary: cafes, Duty Free shops, currency exchange points, and car rental desks.

Completing all formalities at Nador Airport generally does not take much time. However, during the peak tourist season (summer months and holidays), queues may occur. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be sufficient for a calm check-in process, baggage drop, and security control.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in several languages (Arabic, French, and often English). Since all key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within the same building, getting lost here is practically impossible. Airport staff are always ready to help and suggest the right direction, making your stay at this Morocco air hub as comfortable as possible.

Airport History

The history of Nador Airport (NDR), also known as Al Aroui Airport, is closely linked to the development of the eastern region of Morocco and its connections with Europe. Originally created as a secondary military airfield, it began serving civil flights in 1999, which marked the starting point of its transformation into a major transport hub.

A key stage in the airport's development was the early 2000s. In July 2003, a new international terminal and an extended runway were ceremoniously opened. This event turned the former military base into a fully-fledged international airport capable of receiving flights from major European cities. For many Moroccans living abroad, especially those from the Rif region, Nador Airport became the main gateway to their homeland.

Over time, passenger traffic grew significantly, requiring further expansion. The most large-scale modernization was completed in 2021 with the opening of a new, modern terminal. The area of the terminal complex increased to 20,000 square metres, and its capacity grew from 750,000 to 2 million passengers per year. The project also included the construction of a new control tower and the expansion of the aircraft apron, bringing the airport to a new level of safety and comfort.

Interesting fact: although the airport bears the name of the city of Nador, it is located approximately 30 kilometres south of it, near the town of Al Aroui. Its history is not so much a series of records as it is an example of a successful infrastructure project that plays a crucial role in the economic and social life of an entire region, strengthening ties between Morocco and the world.

Services and Amenities

Nador Airport (NDR) offers passengers all necessary services and amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Whether you are arriving or departing, you will find everything needed to handle basic tasks before flying.

In the airport terminal, you can have a snack or drink coffee at several cafes and restaurants. For those wishing to shop, there is a Duty Free store featuring a range of perfumes, alcohol, confectionery, and souvenirs. There are also small shops offering essentials and local products.

For passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment, Nador Airport has a VIP lounge (such as the Pearl Lounge), access to which can be paid for on the spot or obtained through a loyalty programme. Guests here are offered snacks, beverages, and more comfortable waiting conditions. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

To handle financial matters, the airport has ATMs and currency exchange points where major world currencies can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams. If necessary, passengers can visit the medical centre for first aid.

The airport is equipped for the comfort of passengers with special needs. For travellers with children, there are mother and child rooms. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance in moving around the terminal, as well as boarding and disembarking from the aircraft. It is recommended to request this service in advance through the airline.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, the nearest hotels are located in the city of Nador, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Specialized conference rooms are not provided at the airport, but basic conditions for work, such as internet access and a quiet environment, can be found in the VIP lounge.

Where to Eat

At Nador Airport (NDR), travellers can find several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection here is not as vast as in major international hubs, the available establishments offer everything necessary. At your service are a restaurant with à la carte service, several small coffee shops and bars, as well as vending machines for a quick snack.

Dining establishments are located both in the public zone (landside) and in the secure zone after passing control (airside). Before security, in the main departure hall, there is the main restaurant offering the most diverse menu. After security control, passengers have access to a small coffee shop with pastries and a bar with beverages and snacks. For those in a hurry or arriving at odd hours, vending machines with water, soft drinks, and snacks are installed in various parts of the terminal.

The menus combine international standards with local flavour. You will easily find sandwiches, salads, or pizza, but this is also a great opportunity to enjoy a final cup of aromatic Moroccan mint tea or try traditional sweets before leaving Morocco. For those looking for a full lunch, the restaurant in the public zone can offer hot dishes, including classic tagine or couscous.

Halal dishes are the standard for all establishments. Vegetarians will be able to find salads, vegetable appetizers, or meat-free pastries on the menu. For vegans and travellers on a gluten-free diet, choices may be limited, so it is worth focusing on fresh fruits, nuts, or clarifying ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city: a cup of coffee will cost approximately 25–35 Dirhams, and a sandwich — 40–60 Dirhams. A hot dish in the restaurant will cost about 100–150 Dirhams.

Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule — opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft. If you are short on time, the best choice would be the coffee shop in the departure zone, where you can quickly grab a sandwich and a drink. If you arrived at the airport early and want to have a quiet lunch, we recommend visiting the restaurant in the main hall before passing security control.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the airport of Nador goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. Nador-Al Aroui Airport (NDR) serves both domestic and international flights, so advance planning will help avoid stress. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before the departure of your international flight, especially during the peak tourist season when queues for check-in and security control may be longer.

To save time, use the online check-in option if your airline provides such a service. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. The security control procedure is standard, but be ready to present your passport and boarding pass. Keep all necessary documents handy to speed up the process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will give you picturesque views of the Morocco coast during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more freedom of movement during the flight. Regarding carry-on luggage, remember standard international rules: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and all sharp objects and large-capacity power banks should be checked in. Clarify the exact requirements of your airline before departure.

Customs control upon arrival usually proceeds without delays. You may need to fill out a migration card, so keep a pen with you. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Although Nador Airport is not a major hub, the information desk staff will be able to help you orient yourself.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for current information and to clarify your rights regarding the provision of meals or accommodation. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, and light snacks. This will help avoid unnecessary expenses while waiting for departure.

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