Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Nouakchott, MR 🇲🇷 Large International Airport Scheduled Service Big Airport
ICAO
GQNO
IATA
NKC
Elevation
9 ft
Region
MR-NKC
Local Time
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GPS Code: GQNO
Local Code: Not available
Location: 18.31° N, -15.969722° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Nouakchott Oumtounsy
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Travelers' experiences at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) are generally mixed, describing a relatively new and modern facility that is functional but often lacks the amenities and efficiency found in larger international hubs. While praised for its cleanliness, recurring issues with services and inconsistent processes frequently temper overall satisfaction.
What Travelers Love
- Modern and Relatively New: The airport, opened in 2016, is a newer facility compared to its predecessor, with a modern design and a single terminal.
- General Cleanliness: Many travelers note the airport is well-maintained and clean, including its toilets.
- Efficient Immigration (when lines are short): When not crowded, the immigration and security processes can be relatively quick. Current estimates suggest immigration wait times around 8 minutes.
- Visa on Arrival Process: The visa on arrival procedure is generally considered straightforward for most nationalities, though queues can be long.
Common Complaints
- Limited Amenities and Food Options: The airport has very few restaurants, cafes, and shops, particularly past security, with some travelers reporting difficulty finding water inside.
- Unreliable WiFi: While available, the WiFi can be inconsistent and often cuts out, with reliable access primarily limited to the airport lounge.
- ATM Malfunctions: Multiple reports indicate that ATMs at the airport are frequently out of service, making it difficult to obtain local currency.
- Inconsistent Security and Customs Experience: Security checks can be inefficient with multiple checkpoints, and some travelers have reported unusual searches for currency after immigration. Security wait times are estimated at around 26-28 minutes.
- Transportation Challenges: Taxis are available, but it is advised to pre-arrange rides, especially at night, as drivers may not be readily waiting. Negotiation is required for fares, and language barriers with local drivers can occur.
- Lack of Overnight Stay Facilities: The airport is not suitable for sleeping overnight inside the terminal, with no dedicated rest areas or cots.
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport serves as a functional gateway to Mauritania, offering basic services in a modern setting. However, travelers should anticipate a somewhat austere experience with limited amenities and be prepared for potential inconsistencies in security and transportation, particularly by arranging onward travel in advance and carrying some cash.
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Airport Routes
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) offers 20 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Mauritania, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Nouakchott include Gran Canaria Int'l, Senou Int'l, Tunis-Carthage Int'l, Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l) and Mohammed V Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Gran Canaria Int'l (LPA) 3
- Senou Int'l (BKO) 2
- Tunis-Carthage Int'l (TUN) 2
- Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l) (CKY) 2
- Mohammed V Int'l (CMN) 2
- Blaise Diagne (DSS) 2
- Houari Boumedienne (ALG) 1
- Istanbul Airport (IST) 1
- Banjul Int'l (Yundum Int'l) (BJL) 1
- Nema (EMN) 1
- Nouadhibou Int'l (NDB) 1
- Nice Cote d'Azur (NCE) 1
Newly Discovered
- Mohammed V Int'l (CMN) new
- Gran Canaria Int'l (LPA) new
- Houari Boumedienne (ALG) new
- Tunis-Carthage Int'l (TUN) new
- Istanbul Airport (IST) new
- Blaise Diagne (DSS) new
- Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG) new
- Banjul Int'l (Yundum Int'l) (BJL) new
- Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l) (CKY) new
- Nouadhibou Int'l (NDB) new
- Senou Int'l (BKO) new
- Nema (EMN) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed V Int'l | CMN |
Casablanca | B38M | Royal Air Maroc | 179 flights · 1164 mi | |
| Mohammed V Int'l | CMN |
Casablanca | B38M | Mauritania | 121 flights · 1164 mi | |
| Istanbul Airport | IST |
Istanbul | B38M | Turkish Airlines | 109 flights · 3071 mi | |
| Houari Boumedienne | ALG |
Algiers | B738 | Air Algerie | 85 flights · 1725 mi | |
| Tunis-Carthage Int'l | TUN |
Tunis | B738 | Mauritania | 83 flights · 2043 mi | |
| Nouadhibou Int'l | NDB |
Nouadhibou | B738 | Mauritania | 72 flights · 194 mi | |
| Blaise Diagne | DSS |
Diass | B38M | Mauritania | 70 flights · 262 mi | |
| Charles de Gaulle/Roissy | CDG |
Paris | A332 | Air France | 68 flights · 2362 mi | |
| Gran Canaria Int'l | LPA |
Gran Canaria | E295 | Binter Canarias | 67 flights · 667 mi | |
| Blaise Diagne | DSS |
Diass | AT72 | Air Senegal | 67 flights · 262 mi | |
| Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l) | CKY |
Conakry | B738 | ASKY Airlines | 54 flights · 624 mi | |
| Banjul Int'l (Yundum Int'l) | BJL |
Banjul | B38M | Turkish Airlines | 54 flights · 347 mi | |
| Tunis-Carthage Int'l | TUN |
Tunis | A320 | Tunisair | 44 flights · 2043 mi | |
| Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l) | CKY |
Conakry | A332 | Air France | 38 flights · 624 mi | |
| Nema | EMN |
Nema | B38M | Mauritania | 27 flights · 583 mi | |
| Gran Canaria Int'l | LPA |
Gran Canaria | B738 | Mauritania | 20 flights · 667 mi | |
| Gran Canaria Int'l | LPA |
Gran Canaria | B734 | Swiftair | 20 flights · 667 mi | |
| Senou Int'l | BKO |
Bamako | B38M | Mauritania | 17 flights · 667 mi | |
| Senou Int'l | BKO |
Bamako | B38M | ASKY Airlines | 6 flights · 667 mi | |
| Nice Cote d'Azur | NCE |
Nice | FA6X | Albinati Aviation | 1 flight · 2212 mi |
Top Airlines
Operating at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mauritania
MAI
/ L6
|
7 | 410 | 7 | Jun 1, 2026 |
Royal Air Maroc
RAM
/ AT
|
1 | 179 | 1 | Jun 1, 2026 |
Turkish Airlines
THY
/ TK
|
2 | 163 | 2 | Jun 1, 2026 |
Air France
AFR
/ AF
|
2 | 106 | 2 | May 29, 2026 |
Air Algerie
DAH
/ AH
|
1 | 85 | 1 | Jun 1, 2026 |
Binter Canarias
IBB
/ NT
|
1 | 67 | 1 | Jun 1, 2026 |
Air Senegal
SZN
/ HC
|
1 | 67 | 1 | Mar 15, 2026 |
ASKY Airlines
SKK
/ KP
|
2 | 60 | 2 | May 28, 2026 |
Tunisair
TAR
/ TU
|
1 | 44 | 1 | May 28, 2026 |
Swiftair
SWT
/ WT
|
1 | 20 | 1 | Feb 15, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06/24 |
7875 ft | 148 ft | concrete | Active Lighted |
16/34 |
11155 ft | 197 ft | concrete | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| ATIS (en) | - | 127.7 MHz |
| ATIS (fr) | - | 126.6 MHz |
| SMC | GND | 121.7 MHz |
| TWR | - | 118.4 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the primary and most readily available mode of transport from the airport. They are located outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are not metered, so it is crucial to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before beginning the trip. The journey to the city center is approximately 25 km and takes around 30-40 minutes.
Rental Cars
Several car rental companies, including international brands like Europcar and Sixt, as well as local providers, have counters inside the airport terminal. It is highly recommended to book a vehicle in advance to ensure availability and secure better rates. An International Driving Permit may be required along with your standard license.
Public Transportation
There is no formal public bus or train service connecting the airport directly to Nouakchott's city center. The main alternatives to taxis are pre-booked private transfers or shuttle services, which are often arranged through hotels. It is advisable to check with your accommodation to see if they provide an airport shuttle.