Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Nouakchott Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
From getting the shake-down whilst in a tiny cubicle with an AK-47 toting teenager to grim toilets, any lack of catering to a complete lack of any creature comforts, I think that NKT airport is really ‘up’ there with some of the world’s worst! – a traveller
NKC Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport.
What to Expect
Replacing the former airport, the new terminal at Nouakchott Airport (code: NKC) opened in 2016 and handles several African and European routes. Travellers to the old terminal reported poor, confusing security procedures and intense questioning from airport staff, who may be looking for bribes. There are dining and shopping options, including a fast food kiosk that may be open 24 hours. As far as we can tell, WiFi is currently only available in the lounge. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for location and access information.
Sleeping in Nouakchott Airport
We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews, but it seems that spending the night inside the terminal is impossible. Have a backup plan if you’re planning to spend the night. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info, or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Nouakchott Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
As of this update, we could not confirm the airport’s hours of operation. We recommend reading a few reviews before deciding to sleep in the airport overnight. If you know the airport hours, click here to update this airport guide and we will update this airport guide.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels
There are no hotels at Nouakchott Airport. Visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Nouakchott, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounge listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
- Air France Lounge – Location: Airside.
WiFi/Internet
WiFi is available in the airport lounge. We had no information about WiFi availability elsewhere in the airport at the time of this update. If you know, click here to update this airport guide. WiFi/Internet 3GB SIM cards are available for purchase at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Machines are operated by Banque Nationale de Mauritanie and Banque Bamis. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Main Hall. The machine dispenses banknotes of new ouguiya (UM, MRU).
Currency Exchange – Banque Bamis provides currency exchange services at the airport. Location: Main Hall.
Drinking Water – Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-Free shopping is available. In addition, the airport offers a small variety of shops selling souvenirs, magazines, clothing, and more.
Food & Drink – The airport offers restaurants and coffee shops both Landside and Airside. Hours are not known; however, the airport mentions that fast food (sandwiches) is available 24 hours a day. This could mean vending machines. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the airport’s information desk for assistance. Location: Main hall.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Location: Main Hall.
Medical Services – First aid services are available if you feel unwell or injured yourself.
Mobile Charging – At the time of this update, we did not have any information about mobile charging availability. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards, buy stamps, send a money order, and more at the airport’s post office. Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Showers – Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Car Rentals
Car rental services are available at the airport. At the time of this update, no further information is available.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Shuttle Bus
Air France provides a shuttle to transfer passengers from the airport to the city center. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, and the fare is 200UM (5,00€).
Taxis
Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. The airport taxis are generally more comfortable than the urban taxis. Prices are fixed from the airport and negotiable to the airport (do so before entering the vehicle). At the time of this update, an average ride of 35 – 55 minutes would range from 1000 – 2000 UM (or 25€ – 50€).
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.