List of Airports in Mauritania
As of 2024, there are 22 airports throughout the country of Mauritania according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Mauritania are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Mauritania
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abbaye Airport | BGH | Boghe | Small |
| 2 | Aioun El Atrouss Airport | AEO | Aioun El Atrouss | Small |
| 3 | Akjoujt Airport | AJJ | Akjoujt | Small |
| 4 | Aleg Airport | LEG | Aleg | Small |
| 5 | Boutilimit Airport | OTL | Boutilimit | Small |
| 6 | Chinguitti Airport | CGT | Chinguitti | Small |
| 7 | El Gouera Airport | ZLG | El Gouera | Small |
| 8 | Fderik Airport | FGD | Fderik | Small |
| 9 | Kaedi Airport | KED | Kaedi | Small |
| 10 | Kiffa Airport | KFA | Kiffa | Small |
| 11 | Mbout Airport | MBR | Mbout | Small |
| 12 | Mouakchott Airport | ATR | Atar | Small |
| 13 | Moudjeria Airport | MOM | Moudjeria | Small |
| 14 | Nema Airport | EMN | Nema | Small |
| 15 | Nouadhibou Airport | NDB | Nouadhibou | Small |
| 16 | Nouakchott Airport | NKC | Nouakchott | Medium |
| 17 | Selibaby Airport | SEY | Selibaby | Small |
| 18 | Tamchakett Airport | THT | Tamchakett | Small |
| 19 | Tichitt Airport | THI | Tichitt | Small |
| 20 | Tidjikja Airport | TIY | Tidjikja | Small |
| 21 | Timbedra Airport | TMD | Timbedra | Small |
| 22 | Zouerate Airport | OUZ | Zouerate | Small |
Major Airports in Mauritania
1. Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Airport Code
- NKC
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Oumtounsy, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Nearby Cities
- Nouakchott (25 miles)
- Teyarett (9 miles)
- Arafat (16 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mauritanie
- Nouadhibou International Airlines
- Royal Air Maroc
- Air France
- Turkish Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 500,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) is located about 25 miles northeast of Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. It is a newly built airport, having opened in December 2016, to accommodate the increasing air traffic in Mauritania and to replace the older Nouakchott International Airport. The airport was named after the Oumtounsy region and is designed to serve as a major hub for international and domestic flights, primarily connecting Mauritania to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The construction of Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International was part of a broader effort to modernize Mauritania’s infrastructure and boost its role in regional trade and tourism. Given the strategic importance of Nouakchott as the capital city and its proximity to both Africa and Europe, the airport plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development, supporting the transportation of goods, services, and tourists.
Though relatively new, the airport has become increasingly important as an entry point to Mauritania, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and significant trade links. The airport also helps facilitate the movement of Mauritanian expatriates, particularly to France and other parts of West Africa.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 08/26: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
This runway is long enough to handle wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777, allowing for long-haul flights to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The airport’s terminal offers modern facilities, including check-in counters, baggage handling, duty-free shopping, lounges, and restaurants. The airport is also equipped with a VIP lounge, providing services for both business and first-class passengers. Ground transportation is readily available, including taxis, shuttle buses, and car rental services, connecting the airport to Nouakchott and surrounding areas.
2. Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Airport Code
- NDB
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Nouadhibou, Mauritania
Nearby Cities
- Nouadhibou (0 miles)
- F’derick (70 miles)
- Zouerate (200 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mauritanie
- Nouadhibou International Airlines
- Royal Air Maroc
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 50,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB) is located in the port city of Nouadhibou, in the northwestern part of Mauritania. It is the second-largest airport in the country and serves the area around the economic hub of Nouadhibou. The airport is primarily used for domestic flights, as well as some regional international flights, and plays an important role in connecting Mauritania’s northern regions to the capital and other countries in West Africa.
The airport’s history dates back to the 1970s when it was initially established to facilitate the growth of Mauritania’s fishing and mining industries. Today, Nouadhibou International Airport serves as a strategic point for air traffic to and from the region, including flights that support the mining sector and the local fishing industry. The airport also facilitates the transportation of goods, including commodities like fish, iron ore, and other minerals.
Although it does not handle the same volume of traffic as Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International, Nouadhibou International is crucial for regional connectivity and economic development in the northern part of Mauritania.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nouadhibou International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 09/27: 2,500 meters (8,202 feet)
This runway is suitable for narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 but is not designed to handle large wide-body jets. The airport has basic infrastructure, with a terminal offering check-in counters, baggage handling, and customs services. There is a small waiting area, along with limited food and beverage options for passengers. Ground transportation to Nouadhibou’s city center and surrounding areas is available via taxis and car rental services. Despite being a smaller airport, Nouadhibou International remains vital for the region’s transport network.
3. Atar Airport (ATR)
Airport Code
- ATR
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Atar, Mauritania
Nearby Cities
- Atar (0 miles)
- Chinguetti (55 miles)
- Tergit (85 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mauritanie
- Mauritania Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 10,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Atar Airport (ATR) is located in the city of Atar, the capital of the Adrar region in central Mauritania. The airport serves as the main gateway for visitors to the desert regions of Mauritania, including the famous historic cities of Chinguetti and Tergit. Atar is situated at the edge of the Sahara Desert, and the airport plays an important role in facilitating both domestic and regional air travel, as well as tourism to Mauritania’s unique desert landscapes.
The airport was established in the 1980s and has undergone several upgrades to accommodate an increasing number of travelers. Atar Airport is essential for tourists wishing to explore the country’s ancient trade routes, historic architecture, and natural landscapes. The airport also supports local residents and business travel to the Adrar region, which is known for its salt mining, agriculture, and traditional Berber culture.
Given the remote location of Atar, the airport is a key transport hub for the region, providing access to both Mauritania’s interior and the wider West African region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Atar Airport has one runway:
- Runway 10/28: 1,800 meters (5,906 feet)
The runway is capable of handling smaller regional aircraft such as the ATR 72 and smaller propeller-driven planes, but it is not designed for larger, wide-body aircraft. The terminal is basic, offering check-in counters, baggage handling, and a small waiting area. There are limited services available at the airport, but it provides essential facilities for travelers. Ground transportation options are available, with taxis and private car services providing access to the city center and nearby destinations.
4. Kiffa Airport (KFA)
Airport Code
- KFA
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Kiffa, Mauritania
Nearby Cities
- Kiffa (0 miles)
- Aioun (65 miles)
- Selibaby (90 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mauritanie
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 5,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Kiffa Airport (KFA) is located in the southern part of Mauritania, serving the town of Kiffa, which is the capital of the Guidimaka region. Kiffa is situated near the borders with Mali and Senegal, making the airport a key transport hub for both local and regional travel. The airport facilitates movement for both residents and businesses, particularly those engaged in agriculture and trade in the southern part of the country.
The airport’s history dates back several decades, serving as a small regional airstrip. Over the years, it has remained an essential part of the transport infrastructure, especially given Kiffa’s strategic position as a trade center and a crossroads for travelers in the region. While it does not handle the volume of traffic seen at larger airports like Nouakchott, Kiffa Airport continues to play an important role in regional connectivity, particularly for Mauritania’s southern and border regions.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Kiffa Airport has one runway:
- Runway 09/27: 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft such as regional jets and propeller-driven planes but is not capable of accommodating larger wide-body aircraft. The terminal is modest, with basic services such as check-in counters, baggage handling, and a waiting area. Given the airport’s small size, there are limited amenities, but it provides sufficient services for the passengers traveling within Mauritania. Ground transportation options include taxis and private transfers, which provide access to Kiffa’s city center and surrounding areas.
5. Zouerate Airport (OZR)
Airport Code
- OZR
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Zouerate, Mauritania
Nearby Cities
- Zouerate (0 miles)
- F’derick (200 miles)
- Tergit (250 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mauritanie
- Nouadhibou International Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 15,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Zouerate Airport (OZR) is located in the city of Zouerate, in the northern part of Mauritania, near the country’s borders with Algeria and Western Sahara. Zouerate is an important center for Mauritania’s mining industry, particularly iron ore extraction, and the airport plays a significant role in supporting the local economy by facilitating the movement of workers, goods, and materials.
The airport was initially established to support the mining sector and provide air transport services for workers and cargo. Over the years, Zouerate Airport has remained a vital connection point for travelers to and from this remote region. Though the airport’s traffic volume is relatively low, it is essential for supporting the northern Mauritanian economy, particularly the mining industry, which is one of the country’s primary economic drivers.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Zouerate Airport has one runway:
- Runway 10/28: 2,200 meters (7,218 feet)
The runway is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and smaller regional jets, but is not suitable for larger wide-body aircraft. The terminal is small, offering essential services such as check-in counters and baggage handling. Ground transportation services are available, including taxis and private transport to Zouerate’s city center and nearby areas. Despite its limited infrastructure, Zouerate Airport is an important gateway for the northern part of Mauritania and plays a key role in the country’s industrial sector.
