Mauritania Airlines International (MAI) is the flag carrier of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, operating regional and international scheduled passenger services. The airline was established to replace the former Mauritania Airlines, which ceased operations in 2012, and began flying under the MAI brand to serve key destinations across West Africa, North Africa, and Europe. The carrier is headquartered in Nouakchott and primarily operates from Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, the country's main international gateway. MAI has worked to gradually expand its route network since its founding, connecting Mauritania to destinations such as Casablanca, Dakar, Paris, and Las Palmas. As a relatively young airline operating in a challenging market, MAI has faced ongoing operational and financial difficulties common to carriers in the region. The airline plays a strategically important role in Mauritania's connectivity given the country's limited land transport infrastructure.