Habib Bourguiba International Airport

Habib Bourguiba International Airport is the aerial gateway to the resort life of Tunisia, named in honour of the country's first president. Located in the Skanes tourist zone, it serves as the starting point for travellers heading to the popular beaches of Monastir, Sousse, and Mahdia. The airport specialises in handling charter and seasonal flights, making it particularly lively during the peak tourist season. Its compact size and well-thought-out infrastructure ensure a quick and comfortable start to a long-awaited seaside holiday.

The airport's main advantage is its strategic location, allowing tourists to quickly reach key resort areas. A unique feature is the presence of its own railway station, "Airport", from where suburban Sahel Metro trains connect the terminal with the centres of Sousse and Mahdia, offering a budget-friendly and convenient mode of transport. The airport has a single terminal, which simplifies navigation and reduces the time spent on pre-flight formalities. Despite its relatively small size, it has everything necessary for travellers: Duty Free shops, cafes, currency exchange counters, and car rental offices.

For the most up-to-date information regarding flights, services, and airport regulations, we recommend contacting official channels. Below are the main contact details for Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR).

• Official Website: To view flight schedules, service information, and news, please visit the airport's official website: www.monastir-airport.com
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: (+216) 73 103 000.
• Airport Address: Route de Skanes, 5065 Monastir, Tunisia.
• Email: For email communication, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website to ensure your request is directed to the appropriate department.
• Social Media: Follow updates on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Lost and Found Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. You can also contact the airport's baggage tracing service by phone: (+216) 73 103 000 (extension 31 520).
• Passenger Support Contacts: Information counters are located within the airport terminal. You may also call the general information service for assistance.

Reaching Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR) from the centre of Monastir or neighbouring resorts is straightforward thanks to a well-developed transport network. The air hub is conveniently situated between the cities of Monastir and Sousse, offering travellers several options to suit any budget and preference.

The most convenient and authentic way to get to the airport is to use the "métro du Sahel" light rail train. Directly at the terminal is the Aéroport Skanès-Monastir station, from where trains run towards Monastir, Sousse, and Mahdia. This is not only a very budget-friendly route but also a scenic one along the coast. The trip to the centre of Monastir takes about 15-20 minutes. Additionally, the city can be reached by regular buses or shared taxis (louages) that stop near the airport.

Taxi is a fast and comfortable way to reach your hotel. It is recommended to use official yellow taxis and ask the driver to switch on the meter (compteur) or agree on the fare in advance to avoid misunderstandings. A trip to the centre of Monastir takes approximately 10-15 minutes. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or large luggage, you can book a private transfer in advance. This service is often offered by hotels or specialised transport companies.

For those planning to actively explore the coast of Tunisia, car rental is the ideal solution. In the arrivals hall of Habib Bourguiba International Airport, there are counters for several international and local rental agencies. This gives you complete freedom of movement and the opportunity to visit not only popular resorts but also hidden gems of the country unseen by most tourists. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, a parking complex is at your disposal. There are zones for both short-term (picking up or dropping off passengers) and long-term parking, where you can leave your car for the duration of your trip. Parking is paid, and the cost depends on the duration of the stay.

Habib Bourguiba International Airport in Monastir is a compact and functional aviation hub serving as the main gateway for tourists arriving at the resorts of Tunisia. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal handling both international and domestic flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings. All infrastructure — from check-in counters to departure and arrival zones — is located under one roof. The terminal building has two levels: the ground floor houses the arrivals area, check-in counters, and the main waiting hall, while the first floor contains the departure zone with passport control and boarding gates.

Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated. Upon arrival, passengers proceed to the ground floor, pass through passport control, collect luggage in a dedicated hall, and go through customs inspection. The departure zone is located on the first floor. After checking in for the flight on the ground floor, passengers go upstairs to pass through security and passport control, after which they enter the secure area with Duty Free shops, cafes, and gates.

The time required for procedures depends heavily on the season. During peak summer months, the airport receives a large number of charter flights, which can cause queues at check-in and security. During this time, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. In the low season, all procedures can be completed much faster, often in less than an hour. For ease of navigation, follow the signs, which are displayed in both French and English.

The history of Habib Bourguiba International Airport is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in Tunisia. The air harbour was opened in 1968 and was originally called Monastir-Skanes Airport. Its main task was to serve the growing flow of European tourists heading to the resorts of the Sahel region. Later, the airport received its current name in honour of Habib Bourguiba — the country's first president and a native of the city of Monastir, highlighting his special significance to the nation.

With the rising popularity of Tunisian resorts in the 1980s and 1990s, the airport underwent several key stages of expansion. To cope with peak loads during the summer season, large-scale modernisation was carried out: a new, more spacious terminal was built, and the runway was improved to accommodate large aircraft. These changes allowed the airport to become one of the busiest in North Africa, especially in the charter transport segment, and at its peak, it served millions of passengers annually.

One interesting fact appreciated by travellers is the airport's exceptionally convenient location. It is situated in the immediate vicinity of the popular Skanes tourist zone, so the transfer to many hotels takes only a few minutes. Although some traffic has shifted to the new Enfidha-Hammamet airport over time, Habib Bourguiba Airport remains an important aerial gateway for Monastir and neighbouring resorts, continuing to play a key role in the region's tourism infrastructure.

Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or restaurants serving both local and international dishes. In the departure zone, there is a Duty Free shop offering perfumes, beverages, tobacco products, and confectionery. Here you can also find souvenir shops to buy gifts as a memento of your trip to Tunisia.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport has a VIP lounge, accessible to business class passengers or for an additional fee. This is an excellent place to relax in silence before a flight. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets, so you will always be connected.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport. Travellers have access to several bank branches, currency exchange points with current rates, and ATMs available around the clock. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the medical point, where first aid will be provided.

The airport cares about the comfort of all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: ramps, special restrooms, and an escort service (recommended to be booked in advance through the airline) are provided.

Although there are no hotels within the airport grounds, its convenient location allows quick access to nearby hotels. Most of them are located in the resort city of Monastir, situated just a few kilometres away. Regarding business services, basic facilities such as faxing or document copying may be provided in the VIP lounge, but there are no specialised conference centres at the airport.

At Habib Bourguiba International Airport, passengers will find several options for a snack before departure. Although the choice of establishments does not compare with major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry. The main food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal and are divided between the public and secure zones.

In the Public Zone (Landside): Before passing security control, one or two cafes usually operate. This is an ideal place to leisurely drink coffee with fresh pastries while seeing off or meeting travellers. Here you can find sandwiches, drinks, and desserts. The atmosphere is generally calmer than in the departure zone.

In the Departure Zone (Airside): After passport control, the choice becomes slightly more varied. Here are the main establishments where you can have a quick snack or a more substantial lunch. For example, you can find a cafe of the well-known chain Pomme de Pain, offering baguette sandwiches, salads, and hot drinks. There are also dining venues in this area where you can order pizza, pasta, and other simple hot dishes. This is the best option for a full meal while waiting for boarding.

If you want to try something local, look out for traditional Tunisian mint tea or sweets, which are sometimes sold in cafes. Regarding dietary restrictions, the choice is limited. Vegetarians will be able to find salads or meat-free pastries. Passengers adhering to a vegan or gluten-free diet are strongly recommended to carry their own snacks. When planning your budget, note that prices at the airport are significantly higher than in the city: be prepared to pay one and a half to two times more than in the cafes of Monastir.

Most establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departures and close after the last planes have left. For a quick snack, cafes with ready-made sandwiches are suitable, while for a more substantial lunch, choose establishments with hot dishes in the secure zone.

When planning a departure from Habib Bourguiba International Airport in the city of Monastir, it is important to consider several points to ensure your journey begins smoothly. This is a popular tourist airport in Tunisia, which can be particularly busy during the summer season. We recommend arriving at least 3 hours before your international flight departure. This will give you enough time to calmly complete all formalities.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, take advantage of online check-in if your airline provides it. Security control points can be crowded, so prepare liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices in advance to speed up the screening process.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will offer you beautiful views of the coast during takeoff or landing. Do not place sharp objects or liquids exceeding 100 ml in your hand luggage. If you are carrying local products as gifts, such as olive oil or harissa, it is better to pack them in your checked luggage.

Customs Control. When leaving the country, it is important to remember that taking out local currency (Tunisian dinars) is prohibited. You can exchange remaining dinars back into foreign currency at the airport, but a receipt for the initial exchange may be required. Be prepared to present receipts for expensive purchases, such as carpets or jewellery.

Transfer Passengers and Flight Delays. Monastir Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. If you do have a transfer planned, ensure you have enough time between flights. In case of a flight delay, immediately contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (meals, drinks). There are several cafes and Duty Free shops in the terminal where you can pass the waiting time.

Saving Time and Money. Consider pre-booking a transfer to your hotel, as taxis directly at the airport may be more expensive. Exchange only a small amount at the airport for initial expenses — the rate in the city is usually more favourable. Keep receipts from purchases to claim Tax Free on your return journey if applicable.