Nouakchott International Airport

The airport was closed and replaced by the new Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (IATA: NKC, ICAO: GQNO). The primary reasons for the replacement were urban encroachment and modernization. The old airport was located directly in the city center, which posed a safety risk, limited potential for expansion, and hindered the urban development of the capital. The new facility was built 25 km north of the city to accommodate larger aircraft, meet modern international standards, and allow for future growth.

The airport has been completely demolished. The site, being prime real estate in the heart of Nouakchott, is undergoing a massive urban redevelopment project. The land is being transformed into a new modern city center, with plans including business districts, commercial centers, luxury hotels, residential housing, and public spaces. Satellite imagery confirms that the runways, taxiways, and terminal buildings have been removed and replaced by a new road grid and ongoing construction.

For decades, this was the primary and sole international gateway to Mauritania's capital. Its ICAO code was GQNN, and it used the IATA code NKC, which was later transferred to the new airport. (Note: The ICAO code MR-0013 provided in the query is a non-standard identifier). The airport was a critical piece of national infrastructure following Mauritania's independence, connecting the country to the world. It served as the main hub for the national carriers, including the defunct Air Mauritanie and later Mauritania Airlines International. It handled scheduled flights to destinations across Africa (e.g., Dakar, Casablanca, Tunis) and Europe (primarily Paris), operated by airlines such as Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Tunisair, and others. It was essential for diplomatic travel, business, and the limited tourism sector.

There are zero prospects for reopening. The airport is permanently closed, its infrastructure has been dismantled, and the land has been irrevocably repurposed for urban development. Its function has been entirely superseded by the new Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport.