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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.
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.
Read some traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Nouakchott Airport Guide.
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.
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. Overnight stays may not be permitted. We recommend reviewing recent traveller reviews before planning to sleep here. 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.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
There are no hotels at Nouakchott Airport.
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.
Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Food & Drinks
Restaurants and coffee shops are available landside and airside. Hours are not known. The airport indicates that fast food (such as sandwiches) may be available 24 hours; this is unconfirmed.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Information unavailable regarding mobile charging facilities. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Showers
Not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi/Internet
WiFi is reportedly available in the airport lounge. Availability elsewhere in the terminal is unknown. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.
- ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs operated by Banque Nationale de Mauritanie and Banque Bamis are available. Fees may apply; check with your bank before travelling. Machines dispense Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU).
- Currency Exchange – Banque Bamis offers currency exchange services.
- Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a small selection of shops selling souvenirs, magazines, and clothing.
- Information Desk – An information desk is available in the main hall.
- Luggage Wrapping – Bag wrapping services are available in the main hall.
- Medical Services – First aid services are available.
- Postal Services – A post office is available. Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Car Rentals
Car rental services are available at the airport. At the time of this update, no further information is available.
Hotel Shuttles
See 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: 2026-03-20
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.