The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is the only international airport in Mauritius. Formerly known as Plaisance Airport, it was recently renamed in memory of the late Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister and leader of the independence movement on the island.
The airport is located in Plaine Magnien, a beautiful and peaceful village of some ten thousand inhabitants, located in the district of Grand Port southeast of Mauritius. The SSR International Airport is easily accessible by road or public transport and offers a very secure parking and a well designated drop-off area for passengers accompanied by friends or family.
Due to the island’s small size, the journey from the airport to your destination never last more than two hours. For example, on weekdays, since the traffic is dense, the trip to Port-Louis will not last more than an hour and might last about forty-five minutes to thirty minutes in the evening and holidays .
The airport was built before independence in 1942. While being a British colony, the airport was mainly used for the import and export of products from the United Kingdom and other British colonies. The Royal Air Force also used it as a military base during the Second World War. The airport was opened to civil aviation after the Second World War which resulted into an economic boost for this little paradise named Mauritius.
The new passenger terminal opened on the 30th of August 2013, and became fully operational in September 2013. The structure of the new airport terminal is connected to the existing terminal (scheduled for rehabilitation in 2014) and has a capacity of 4 million passengers. The new terminal, with a cost of around $ 306 million, has been built in line with the concept of “Maurice Ile Durable”. Environmental and ecological aspects considered include the use of solar energy captured by photovoltaic cells, rainwater recovery and integration of nature in the heart of the building whose thermo-insulated facade helps in reducing heat gain. The terminal covers an area of ​​57,000 square meters and has five gates with aerobridges, one being compatible with the Airbus A380. The airport also has 32 check-in counters, immigration services and baggage carousels.
Duty-free shops at the airport offers a large range of luxury goods, including top brand perfumes, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, alcoholic drinks, chocolates, cigarettes and much more at unbelievable prices. The shops also sells a wide variety of locally made products such as local rhum, clothes, local tea and souvenirs. The duty free shops are accessible to everyone arriving and departing the island.
If you need a place to relax away from the crowds, ATOL lounge offers a very warm and relaxing atmosphere. Passengers can find newspapers, local and international magazines and enjoy television programs, while keeping an eye on their flight information. A dining room is also available, as well as wireless internet access, all of this in an ideal atmosphere for working or resting.
The Amédée Maingard lounge is reserved only for Air Mauritius passengers. It offers quality service and a relaxing atmosphere to its loyal customers and the most demanding passengers.
Internet access is free throughout the terminal. The airport has a high speed wireless Internet connectivity available all over the terminal.
Before boarding, passengers have a choice of five food courts to enjoy a snack or dine in. Addressing a range of tastes, budgets and transit times, these dining options include breakfasts, ice cream, snacks and drinks from a variety of other items. Accompanying passengers may have access to cafes and restaurants located in the public access area.
The foreign money exchangers and banking services are readily available. All major currencies are accepted by exchange offices and banks. Cash machines are available throughout the airport.
The airport meets international requirements in terms of safety. The airport operator, AML has invested heavily in security and uses the latest technology. Apart from AML, other security agencies are namely: the Department of Civil Aviation, specialized police units from Mauritius and the private security companies.
Firearms of any type, including replicas or toys. Explosives, including fireworks, flares. Gas cylinder, tear gas, pepper spray (Unauthorized), household aerosols (in the cabin, but not on the person). Flammable materials, including gasoline, lighter fluid, paints, thinners, fire-lighters, and flammable glue. Poisons including herbicides, pesticides, insecticides ,corrosive substances including batteries, mercury, drain cleaners.
Other dangerous goods such as magnetized or radioactive substances, toxic and infectious substances such as samples of laboratory diagnosis (unauthorized).
Total net amount must not exceed 2 kg or 2 liters and each item must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 lites in checked luggage.
Biometric identity control: To enhance the reliability of security checks for airport personnel, biometric identity control systems are used at the entrance to assure secure areas.
When you arrive at our beautiful new airport of Mauritius, you want to have a friend to greet you, handle your luggage and whisk you off to your hotel, villa or your holiday accommodation. You will find them just outside the airport and they will drop you anywhere you want around the island. Small tip: do bargain, they will certainly lower the price if you tell them to do so.
If you are traveling to Mauritius in your private jet, then this piece of information is for you. YU Lounge is a one of a kind concept and experience in airline travel; it is a luxury airport lounge, that is open to both commercial and business jet passengers. YU Lounge offers a membership package for both commercial and private jet passengers who use our services on a regular basis. The package is tailored, made according to your needs.
Enjoy nice holidays on this beautiful piece of Paradise- Mauritius!