Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Nouakchott, Mauritania
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Mauritania's modern gateway to the Saharan capital.
- ›Replaced the older Nouakchott–Dar Saïd Airport as the city's main international gateway.
- ›Located approximately 25 kilometers north of Nouakchott city center in the Oumtounsy district.
- ›Opened in 2016 and was built with capacity for around 2 million passengers per year.
- ›Serves as the primary hub for Mauritania Airlines International.
- ›The airport was partly financed through international development funds.
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport opened in 2016, replacing the old Nouakchott Airport and serving as the primary air hub for Mauritania's capital city. Situated approximately 25 kilometres northeast of the city centre in the Oumtounsy area, it was designed to handle modern traffic volumes and support regional connectivity across West Africa and beyond. The airport reflects Mauritania's ambition to modernise its infrastructure and strengthen its role in trans-Saharan and transatlantic air corridors.
- Main Terminal — The single integrated passenger terminal handles all international and domestic arrivals and departures with modern check-in, security, and boarding facilities.
- Taxi (official airport taxis available at the arrivals exit)
- Private car hire and pre-booked transfers
- Minibus shared transport toward Nouakchott city centre
- Car rental desks within the terminal building
- Monotel Oumtounsy
- Hotel Mercure Marhaba Nouakchott
- Nouakchott Marriott Hotel
- Hotel Halima
Dining options inside the terminal are limited, with a small café and snack bar serving light meals, pastries, and beverages airside. Outside the airport, travellers heading into Nouakchott will find a range of local Mauritanian restaurants serving dishes such as thieboudienne, mechoui, and mint tea. It is advisable to carry some local currency as card acceptance can be inconsistent at smaller establishments.
- Arrive at least two to three hours before departure as security and check-in procedures can be slow during peak periods.
- Exchange currency before travelling as ATM availability at and around the airport is limited.
- Confirm your taxi fare to the city centre before departing the terminal to avoid overcharging.
- Dress modestly in line with local customs, particularly when moving through the city from the airport.
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Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport is an international airport serving Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. It is located 25 kilometres (16 mi) north of the city. The airport opened in June 2016 as the replacement for Nouakchott International Airport.
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