Istanbul to Nouakchott (IST–NKC) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IST–NKC is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 3,068 miles in approximately 7h 5m. Beyond nonstop, 4 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines | 3 | 7M8 | 7h05 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · NKC: GMT
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 3:00 PM in Nouakchott.
Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania. A visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) for a fee of EUR 55. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. You need two passport-sized photos and the visa fee in euros or US dollars (cash only). The visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
You can also apply for an eVisa through the Mauritanian government portal before departure, which costs the same and speeds up arrival processing. Required documents include a passport scan, a photo, and payment by card. The eVisa takes 3 to 5 working days to process. For longer stays, apply at the Mauritanian Embassy in Ankara.
No direct flights connect Istanbul to Nouakchott. Route through Casablanca (about 2 hours 30 minutes to Nouakchott on Royal Air Maroc) or through Tunis (Tunisair Express). Total travel time from Istanbul runs 9 to 14 hours depending on the connection. Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU), trading at roughly 1.2 MRU per TRY 1. Cash is the primary payment method. ATMs exist in Nouakchott but can be unreliable. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange at banks. The Atar to Chinguetti desert route is the main tourist draw.
Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.
IST–NKC Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to NKC
İstanbul Airport (IST) and Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines. With 3 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
IST to NKC Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to NKC ranges from 7 hours 5 minutes. The route covers a distance of 3,068 miles (4,938 km). There are approximately 3 weekly flights outbound and 4 return, totaling 7 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
4 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 10 hours via BJL. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.