Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport

GQNO / NKC

Nouakchott, MR

Last Updated
Mar 4, 17:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 18 min ago
17:00Z

☀️ Day
MVFR
Flight Rules
24°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 11°C
17 kt
320°
6 km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1014 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR GQNO 041700Z 32017KT 6000 NSC 24/11 Q1014 NOSIG
QNH
1014 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1014 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (9 ft)
Pressure Alt
-14 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,068 ft
ISA Deviation: +9.0°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF GQNO 041100Z 0412/0518 04014KT 8000 NSC BECMG 0416/0418 34012KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
17:17Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 40° 14 kt
Visibility: 8 km

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
QNO
06
24
16
34 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
06/24 7,875 ft 148 ft concrete 50°
0.0 kt 17.0 kt
90° angle
✈️ 16/34
Active: 34
11,155 ft 197 ft concrete 150°
16.0 kt 5.8 kt
20° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - GQNO

7,398 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
19.2%
MVFR
71.5%
IFR
9%
LIFR
0.4%

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 19.2% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 9.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 9.7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 33 knots. Temperature extremes range from 8°C to 43°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are December, November, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NE (45°)
Average Speed: 9.7 kt
Maximum Recorded: 33 kt
Calm Winds: 0.1%
Direction Distribution:
N
27%
NE
31.4%
E
16.8%
SE
1.4%
S
0.9%
SW
1.8%
W
5%
NW
15.6%

Temperature Range

Average: 24.7°C
Range: 8°C to 43°C
8°C 43°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0.1%

Best Months for VFR

December November October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 06/24
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.5 kt
Runway 16/34
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6.4 kt

Statistics computed from 7,398 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: GQNO
IATA Code: NKC
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 9 ft MSL

Location

City: Nouakchott
Country: MR
Latitude: 18.310000°
Longitude: -15.969722°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+1

Runway Information

Runway 06/24
Length: 7,875 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: concrete
ILS: No
Runway 16/34
Length: 11,155 ft
Width: 197 ft
Surface: concrete
ILS: No

About Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport

Overview

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport serves as the primary international gateway for Mauritania, located in the capital city of Nouakchott. Positioned at a low elevation of 9 feet mean sea level, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for this West African nation. Its strategic location supports both commercial and potential military aviation operations.

Flying Conditions

The airport's near-sea-level elevation and coastal location suggest potential for stable meteorological conditions typical of maritime environments. With two substantial concrete runways - one at 7,875 feet and another at 11,155 feet - the airport can accommodate a wide range of aircraft types and handle diverse weather challenges. Pilots should anticipate potential maritime atmospheric influences given the airport's proximity to the Atlantic coast.

Notable Features

Situated at coordinates 18.310000, -15.969722, Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport features two parallel concrete runways oriented at 06/24 and 16/34. The longer runway at 11,155 feet provides substantial operational flexibility for large aircraft, while the secondary runway offers additional approach and departure options. The airport's low elevation and presumably flat surrounding terrain suggest minimal terrain-related navigation challenges.

Approach Considerations

Runway 06/24 and 16/34 provide multiple approach options depending on prevailing wind conditions. The substantial runway lengths allow for comfortable landing margins across various aircraft categories. Pilots should conduct standard wind assessment and runway selection protocols, taking advantage of the airport's dual-runway configuration to optimize approach and landing strategies.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.