International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport | Nouakchott | GQNO | NKC |
| Nouadhibou International Airport | Nouadhibou | GQPP | NDB |
| Atar International Airport | Atar | GQPA | ATR |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aioun el Atrouss Airport | Aioun el Atrouss | GQNA | AEO |
| Akjoujt Airport | Akjoujt | GQNJ | AJJ |
| Bir Moghrein Airport | Bir Moghrein | GQPT | |
| Boghé Airport | Boghé | GQNE | BGH |
| Boutilimit Airport | Boutilimit | GQNB | OTL |
| Fderik Airport | Fderik | GQPF | FGD |
| Kaédi Airport | Kaédi | GQNK | KED |
| Kiffa Airport | Kiffa | GQNF | KFA |
| Moudjeria Airport | Moudjeria | GQNL | MOM |
| Néma Airport | Néma | GQNI | EMN |
| Sélibaby Airport | Sélibaby | GQNS | SEY |
| Tamchekett Airport | Tamchekett | GQNT | THT |
| Tichitt Airport | Tichitt | GQNC | THI |
| Tidjikja Airport | Tidjikja | GQND | TIY |
| Timbedra Airport | Timbedra | GQNH | TMD |
| Zouérat Airport | Zouérat | GQPZ | OUZ |
Please note that Nouakchott International Airport (ICAO: GQNN) was replaced by Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (ICAO: GQNO) in June 2016.
Mauritania Airports: Modernisation Plans Unveiled for Key Hubs
Mauritania, a vast West African nation, relies on air travel to connect its remote regions and link to the wider world. The country has several airports scattered across its territory, serving both domestic and international travellers.
Mauritania has 22 airports spread throughout the country, with Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport being the largest and most significant. This main gateway, which opened in 2016, replaced the older Nouakchott International Airport and now serves as the primary entry point for visitors to Mauritania.
Beyond the capital, other important airports include those in Atar and Nouadhibou. The Atar Airport acts as a crucial link for tourists exploring the Sahara Desert and visiting historic cities like Chinguetti. These airports play a vital role in supporting Mauritania’s economy, tourism, and connectivity with the rest of the world.
Overview of Mauritania’s Airport Infrastructure
Mauritania has a small but developing airport network serving its vast desert territory. The country’s airports play a vital role in connecting remote regions and facilitating international travel.
Major Airports in Mauritania
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport is Mauritania’s primary gateway. It replaced the older Nouakchott International Airport in 2016. The new facility has a longer runway and improved passenger facilities.
Nouadhibou International Airport serves Mauritania’s second-largest city. It handles domestic and some international flights.
Atar International Airport supports tourism to the ancient Saharan city of Chinguetti.
Airport Management and Operations
The Mauritanian Airports Authority oversees airport operations nationwide. They manage infrastructure, security, and air traffic control.
Most airports have basic amenities like cafes and shops. Larger airports offer duty-free shopping and currency exchange.
Passenger numbers are modest but growing. Nouakchott–Oumtounsy handles around 600,000 travellers annually.
Navigational Aids and ICAO/IATA Codes
Mauritanian airports use standard navigational aids including VOR, DME, and ILS systems. This ensures safe operations in challenging desert conditions.
Each airport has unique ICAO and IATA codes:
- Nouakchott–Oumtounsy: GQNO (ICAO), NKC (IATA)
- Nouadhibou: GQPP (ICAO), NDB (IATA)
- Atar: GQPA (ICAO), ATR (IATA)
These codes help with flight planning and baggage routing.
Airlines and Destinations
Mauritania’s airports connect travellers to domestic cities and international hubs. Several airlines operate flights to and from the country, offering a range of options for passengers.
Domestic and International Flights
Mauritania Airlines serves 5 domestic destinations and 11 international destinations across 12 countries. The airline links major Mauritanian cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
For international travel, Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport is the primary gateway. It offers flights to 9 destinations through 7 different airlines.
Popular routes include flights to Paris via Air France and to Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. Binter Canarias connects Mauritania to the Canary Islands.
Key Airlines Operating in Mauritania
Mauritania Airlines is the national carrier and the largest operator in the country. It provides both domestic and international services.
Other significant airlines include:
- Air France: Offers direct flights to Paris
- Royal Air Maroc: Connects Mauritania to Morocco and beyond
- Binter Canarias: Operates flights to the Canary Islands
These airlines ensure Mauritania remains connected to major African cities and European hubs, facilitating travel for business and leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mauritania’s airports play a crucial role in connecting the country both domestically and internationally. Let’s explore some key details about these important transport hubs.
What are the main airports located within Mauritania?
Mauritania has several airports spread across the country. The main ones include Nouakchott International Airport, Nouadhibou International Airport, and Atar International Airport.
These airports serve different regions and cater to various travel needs within Mauritania.
Which is the largest airport in Mauritania in terms of passenger traffic?
Nouakchott International Airport is the largest airport in Mauritania. It handles the most passenger traffic and serves as the country’s primary international gateway.
The airport’s size and facilities make it well-equipped to manage a high volume of travellers.
Can you provide the International Air Transport Association (IATA) codes for Mauritanian airports?
The IATA codes for some of Mauritania’s main airports are:
- NKC: Nouakchott International Airport
- NDB: Nouadhibou International Airport
- ATR: Atar International Airport
These codes are used worldwide to identify airports in flight bookings and luggage tags.
How many international airports are there in Mauritania?
Mauritania has three main international airports:
- Nouakchott International Airport
- Nouadhibou International Airport
- Atar International Airport
These airports handle flights to and from other countries, connecting Mauritania to the rest of the world.
What facilities are available at Nouakchott International Airport?
Nouakchott International Airport offers various facilities to cater to passengers’ needs. These include:
- Check-in counters
- Security checkpoints
- Duty-free shops
- Cafes and restaurants
- Currency exchange services
The airport strives to provide a comfortable experience for travellers passing through its terminals.
What are the names of airlines operating within Mauritania?
Several airlines operate flights to and from Mauritanian airports. Some of these include:
- Mauritania Airlines International
- Royal Air Maroc
- Air France
- Turkish Airlines
These airlines offer both domestic and international connections, linking Mauritania to various destinations.
