About Mauritania Airlines
Mauritania Airlines is the national flag carrier of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, operating under IATA code L6 and ICAO code MAI. Headquartered in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, the airline serves as the country's principal air transport provider, connecting Mauritania to destinations across West Africa, North Africa, and Europe.
The airline operates from its main hub at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), which opened in 2016 as a modern replacement for the former Nouakchott International Airport. Mauritania Airlines is a government-owned carrier and is a member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) since 2015. The airline holds a codeshare agreement with Royal Air Maroc and an interline agreement with Hahn Air, extending its ticketing reach to travel agencies worldwide.
For Malaysian travellers looking to explore West Africa, Mauritania Airlines offers connecting options through its hub in Nouakchott and through partner airlines. You can search for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Casablanca and connect onward to Nouakchott via Mauritania Airlines or its codeshare partner Royal Air Maroc.
Airline Overview and History
Mauritania Airlines was established in December 2010 following the collapse of its predecessor, Mauritania Airways, which was banned from European airspace by the European Commission in November 2010 and subsequently ceased all operations. The new airline was set up to fill the void and restore Mauritania's air connectivity. Commercial operations commenced in April 2011, with President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz inaugurating the airline via a ceremonial flight over Nouakchott.
Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- December 2010 — Mauritania Airlines International founded as successor to Mauritania Airways.
- April 2011 — Commercial operations commenced with inaugural flights from Nouakchott.
- December 2012 — Removed from the European Union aviation ban list, regaining access to European airspace.
- 2015 — Became a member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
- June 2017 — Signed an interline agreement with Hahn Air for global distribution through travel agencies.
- December 2017 — Became the first airline in Africa to receive and operate the Boeing 737 MAX 8, ordered during the Paris Air Show in June 2017.
- April 2018 — Rebranded from Mauritania Airlines International to Mauritania Airlines.
- April 2025 — Signed a codeshare agreement with Royal Air Maroc to strengthen connectivity between Mauritania and Morocco.
- October 2025 — Entered into an engine MRO support agreement with StandardAero to enhance fleet maintenance capabilities.
Today, Mauritania Airlines continues to serve as the only airline operating domestic flights within Mauritania, playing a vital role in connecting the country's remote cities and linking Mauritania to the wider world.
Fleet and Aircraft
Mauritania Airlines operates a mixed fleet of Boeing and Embraer aircraft. The fleet is designed to serve both regional routes within West Africa and longer international routes to North Africa and Europe. Key details about the fleet include:
- Boeing 737-800 — A narrow-body jet configured for approximately 162 passengers, used on major international routes such as Nouakchott to Casablanca and Tunis.
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 — The airline's flagship aircraft, featuring next-generation CFM International LEAP-1B engines and Advanced Technology winglets for improved fuel efficiency. Mauritania Airlines was the first carrier in Africa to operate this aircraft type, receiving it in December 2017.
- Boeing 737-700 — A smaller narrow-body aircraft in the fleet, currently in storage.
- Embraer E175 — Two regional jets in the fleet, suited for shorter domestic and regional routes, currently in storage.
- Embraer ERJ-145 — A 50-seat regional jet, currently out of service.
As of late 2025, the airline has two aircraft actively operating — the Boeing 737-800 and the Boeing 737 MAX 8 — with the remaining aircraft in storage or undergoing maintenance. To supplement its fleet capacity, Mauritania Airlines has utilised wet-lease arrangements, including an Airbus A320 leased from Malta MedAir in April 2025 to bolster capacity on West African routes. The average fleet age is approximately 12 years.
Top Flight Routes
Mauritania Airlines serves 4 domestic destinations and approximately 9 international destinations across West Africa, North Africa, and Europe. The airline's route network radiates from its hub in Nouakchott, connecting Mauritania to key cities in the region.
Popular routes operated by Mauritania Airlines include:
- Nouakchott (NKC) to Dakar (DSS), Senegal — One of the airline's busiest international routes, connecting Mauritania's capital to Senegal's vibrant capital city. This is a popular route for business travellers and those connecting to wider West African destinations.
- Nouakchott (NKC) to Casablanca (CMN), Morocco — A key route linking Mauritania to Morocco, also serving as a connection point for onward travel to Europe and other global destinations via Royal Air Maroc's codeshare partnership.
- Nouakchott (NKC) to Bamako (BKO), Mali — Connecting Mauritania to the Malian capital, serving both business and leisure travellers in the Sahel region.
- Nouakchott (NKC) to Abidjan (ABJ), Ivory Coast — Linking Mauritania to the economic capital of Ivory Coast, one of West Africa's largest economies.
- Nouakchott (NKC) to Tunis (TUN), Tunisia — A North African route connecting Mauritania to Tunisia, popular for cultural, educational, and business travel.
- Nouakchott (NKC) to Conakry (CKY), Guinea — Serving the Guinean capital with scheduled flights from Nouakchott.
- Nouakchott (NKC) to Las Palmas (LPA), Spain — The airline's European route, connecting Mauritania to the Canary Islands in Spain.
- Nouadhibou (NDB) to Las Palmas (LPA), Spain — A popular route from Mauritania's second-largest city to the Canary Islands.
Domestic routes include flights from Nouakchott to Nouadhibou, Zouerate, and Nema, providing essential air connectivity to remote cities across this vast country.
For Malaysian travellers interested in exploring West Africa, you can search for connecting flights on Traveloka. Popular connecting routes from Kuala Lumpur include Kuala Lumpur to Casablanca, Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, or Kuala Lumpur to Dubai, from where you can connect to Nouakchott and other West African destinations.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Mauritania Airlines provides a baggage allowance that varies depending on your cabin class and route. Below is a summary of the airline's baggage policy:
- Cabin baggage (Economy Class): 1 piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7 kg.
- Cabin baggage (Business Class): 1 piece of hand luggage with a more generous weight allowance.
- Checked baggage (Economy Class): 2 pieces of checked luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg.
- Checked baggage (Business Class): 3 pieces of checked luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg.
- Domestic flights: Checked baggage allowance may be limited to 15 kg on domestic routes within Mauritania.
Passengers should note the following additional baggage policies:
- Excess baggage: Fees apply for baggage exceeding the standard allowance and vary by destination. Pre-purchasing additional baggage in advance is recommended to save on airport charges.
- Prohibited items: Flammable materials, explosives, sharp objects, and other dangerous goods are strictly prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage in accordance with international aviation regulations.
- Oversized and special items: Sports equipment, musical instruments, and other oversized items may require special handling and additional fees. Contact the airline in advance to arrange transportation of such items.
Baggage policies are subject to change. Always verify the latest baggage allowance when booking your ticket on Traveloka or through the airline's official website.
Check-in Guide
Mauritania Airlines primarily offers airport counter check-in for all flights. Here is a guide to the check-in process:
- Airport counter check-in (Domestic flights): Check-in counters open approximately 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. Passengers should arrive at the airport with sufficient time to complete check-in, baggage drop, and security procedures.
- Airport counter check-in (International flights): For international flights, check-in counters open approximately 3 hours before departure. It is strongly recommended that passengers arrive early, especially during peak travel periods.
- Check-in closure: Check-in counters typically close 45 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled departure time. Late passengers may not be accepted for boarding.
As of the latest available information, Mauritania Airlines does not currently offer online check-in services. All passengers must complete the check-in process at the airport's official Mauritania Airlines counter at their departure airport or stopover airport. Business Class passengers benefit from dedicated check-in counters for expedited service.
Passengers should have the following documents ready at check-in:
- Valid passport (for international flights) with at least 6 months validity.
- Applicable visas for your destination country.
- Booking confirmation or e-ticket.
- Any required health documents or vaccination certificates.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Mauritania Airlines offers two cabin classes on its Boeing 737 aircraft:
- Business Class: Featuring comfortable leather-upholstered semi-recliner seats separated by partitions for enhanced privacy. Business Class seats are wider with greater recline compared to Economy. Passengers enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages, and meals depending on the flight duration. Dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding are included.
- Economy Class: Equipped with reclining headrest seats, USB charging ports, individual overhead storage bins, and back-of-seat trays. The standard Economy cabin provides a comfortable experience for short to medium-haul flights across Africa and to Europe.
In-flight services on Mauritania Airlines vary by route and flight duration:
- Meals and beverages: Complimentary meals and beverages are served on longer international flights, featuring a selection of traditional Mauritanian dishes alongside international options. On shorter domestic flights, light snacks and beverages may be available.
- Special dietary requirements: Halal meals are standard on all Mauritania Airlines flights. Vegetarian and other special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice at the time of booking.
- Entertainment: The airline does not currently offer an in-flight entertainment system. Passengers are encouraged to bring personal devices for entertainment during the flight.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Mauritania Airlines accommodates a range of passenger needs and special requirements. Below is a summary of key policies:
- Children (aged 2-12): Children must have their own seat and ticket. They are entitled to the same baggage allowance as adult passengers. A valid passport is required for international travel.
- Infants (under 2 years): Infants may travel on a parent or guardian's lap without a separate seat, though a separate ticket at a reduced fare is required. A bassinet may be available on request for longer flights, subject to availability.
- Pregnant passengers: Pregnant passengers are generally accepted for travel up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. A medical fitness certificate may be required for passengers beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy. Passengers with high-risk pregnancies or those expected to deliver within 7 days of travel are not permitted to fly. It is advisable to consult with the airline directly for the most current pregnancy travel policy.
- Passengers with reduced mobility: Mauritania Airlines provides wheelchair assistance and special support for passengers with reduced mobility. Requests should be made at least 48 hours before departure to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place at the airport and on board.
- Unaccompanied minors: Children travelling alone may be eligible for the airline's unaccompanied minor service, subject to age restrictions and route availability. Parents or guardians should contact the airline directly to arrange this service.
- Medical equipment: Passengers requiring medical oxygen or other medical equipment on board should notify the airline at least 72 hours prior to departure to obtain approval and ensure the necessary arrangements are made.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Understanding the reschedule and refund options available for your Mauritania Airlines booking is important for hassle-free travel planning. Here is a summary of the key policies:
- Rescheduling: Flight changes may be possible depending on your fare type and ticket conditions. Fees may apply for rescheduling, and fare differences may need to be paid if the new flight is priced higher. You can manage rebooking through Traveloka's My Booking section or contact Traveloka customer support for assistance.
- Cancellation: All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee, which varies depending on the fare type and how far in advance the cancellation is made. Contact Traveloka or the airline's sales office to process cancellations.
- Refunds: Refund eligibility depends on your ticket type. Refundable tickets may qualify for a full or partial refund, while non-refundable tickets may be eligible for travel credit or vouchers. Refund processing times typically range from 7 to 30 business days, depending on the payment method used.
- Airline-initiated cancellations: If Mauritania Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost or a full refund. Under EU regulations (applicable to flights departing from or arriving in EU countries such as Spain), compensation of up to EUR 600 may be payable for cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, subject to applicable exemptions.
For the smoothest experience, manage your booking through the Traveloka app or website, where you can view your options and contact support 24/7.
Why Book Mauritania Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes it easy for Malaysian travellers to book Mauritania Airlines flights and plan trips to West Africa, North Africa, and beyond. Here are the key benefits of booking through Traveloka:
- Comprehensive flight search: Compare Mauritania Airlines fares alongside hundreds of other airlines to find the best prices and most convenient connections from Malaysia to your destination.
- Flexible payment options: Pay using a wide range of methods, including Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, online banking, and popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-ticket confirmation: Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket instantly via email after completing your purchase on Traveloka.
- 24/7 customer support: Access Traveloka's dedicated customer service team around the clock for help with bookings, changes, cancellations, or any travel queries.
- Price alerts: Set up fare notifications to be alerted when prices drop for your preferred routes, helping you secure the best deal.
- Traveloka Points: Earn loyalty points on every booking, which can be redeemed for discounts on future travel purchases.
- Bundled deals: Save more by booking flights and hotels together through Traveloka's bundled packages for your trip to West Africa.
Tips for Finding Cheap Mauritania Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Getting the best fares on Mauritania Airlines flights requires a combination of smart planning and taking advantage of Traveloka's tools. Here are practical tips to help you save:
- Book early: Fares tend to be lower when booked well in advance. Aim to book your flights at least 4 to 8 weeks before your intended departure date for the best prices.
- Be flexible with dates: Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different dates. Flying midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) is generally cheaper than weekend travel.
- Set up Price Alerts: Enable Traveloka's Price Alert feature for your preferred route to receive notifications when fares decrease, so you can book at the optimal time.
- Check for promotions: Traveloka regularly features flash sales, seasonal campaigns, and exclusive promotional fares. Check the Traveloka app or website frequently and subscribe to push notifications to stay informed.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid travelling during major holidays and peak travel periods. Shoulder seasons typically offer lower fares and less crowded flights.
- Use e-wallet promotions: Look out for cashback and discount offers when paying with Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay on Traveloka.
- Compare connecting routes: Sometimes connecting through different hub cities such as Istanbul, Dubai, or Casablanca can yield better overall prices for reaching West African destinations.
- Bundle flights and hotels: Book your flight and accommodation together on Traveloka for potential savings compared to booking separately.
How to Book Mauritania Airlines Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your Mauritania Airlines flights on Traveloka:
- Visit Traveloka: Open the Traveloka app or go to the Traveloka website and select the Flights section.
- Enter your travel details: Input your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur), your destination (e.g., Nouakchott, Dakar, or Casablanca), your travel dates, and the number of passengers.
- Search for flights: Tap the search button to view available flights. Use filters to sort results by price, departure time, number of stops, or airline preference to find the most suitable option.
- Select your flight: Choose your preferred itinerary from the search results. For connecting flights to West Africa, review the layover times and connection cities to ensure a comfortable journey.
- Review your booking: Check the flight details, baggage allowance, fare conditions, and total price before proceeding to the next step.
- Enter passenger information: Fill in the required details for all travellers, including full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information.
- Add extras (optional): Consider adding travel insurance for coverage against trip cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage, and medical emergencies during your trip.
- Choose your payment method: Select from available payment options, including credit or debit cards, online banking, or Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Complete payment: Confirm and pay for your booking. You will receive an instant e-ticket confirmation via email.
- Manage your booking: Access your booking details anytime through the My Booking section in the Traveloka app or website to view itineraries, make changes, or contact support.
Start planning your journey to West Africa today by searching for the best fares on Traveloka.