Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSRIA), also known as Mauritius International Airport, is the primary gateway to the island. Located about 48 km from Port Louis, it continues to be recognized among the best airports in Africa. For several consecutive years, it has won the Best Airport in Africa award (under 5 million passengers category), confirming its reputation as a top facility in the region. The year 2016 was particularly rich in accolades for Mauritius Airport with its induction to the ACI Director General’s Roll of Excellence, for its sustained good performance in the ASQ programme and also for receiving the Best Airport-Safety Award from ACI Africa.
Internationally connected
Presently, some 18 airlines, including members of the three major airline alliances, connect Mauritius through Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to more than 30 destinations worldwide. This gives the island excellent connectivity with major capitals in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In 2016, the airport processed more than 3.5 million passengers, with nearly 11% growth compared to 2015. Today, travelers can easily find flights to Mauritius, and real-time SSR airport arrivals and departures information enhances the passenger journey.
Being the only international airport in Mauritius, SSRIA plays a vital role in the country’s socio-economic development. Conscious of future challenges, Airports of Mauritius Ltd (AML), the owner and licensed operator, has consistently invested in modernizing infrastructure to improve services, comfort, safety, and security. Today, SSRIA is often referred to as Mauritius Airport (SSRIA) and remains central to the island’s growth.
SSRIA recently launched a 49-hectare Freeport and Cargo Zone to boost Mauritius’ freight and transhipment activities. Located strategically in the Indian Ocean between Asia and Africa, Mauritius is positioning itself as a bridge for commercial exchanges between continents. Among upcoming projects, the construction of a 70-meter-high Air Traffic Control Tower will enhance air navigation services and support further infrastructure growth at Mauritius International Airport.
APEX Security Programme
Mauritius Airport is a symbol of both regional integration as well as sustained international cooperation. As a dedicated member of ACI Africa, the airport joined its Board in 2016 to enhance its contribution to the deliberations and formidable work being done by the organization in favour of the community of African Airports. In parallel, Mauritius Airport has been keeping up with sector initiatives taken at international level. It thus joined the ACI APEX Safety programme in 2014 and has since then been participating actively by sending its expert personnel for reviews at peer airports. In recognition of its outstanding contribution to the APEX Safety programme, ACI World has presented a special award to Mauritius Airport during its 26th World Annual General Assembly in Montreal, Canada in 2016.
In March 2016, AML took another bold step by being the first airport in the world to implement the APEX Security Programme. Since then the programme is being implemented in numerous airports internationally by ACI, with security experts of AML participating in security reviews at peer airports. Mauritius Airport also enjoys privileged relationships with counterparts in other regions around the world. In November 2016, AML signed a “Sister Airport Agreement” with Beijing Capital International Airport, opening the doors to new opportunities of cooperation in terms of training and access to new technologies.
Aviation training and environment
AML invests in human resources alongside infrastructure. It created an Aviation Training Centre at Mauritius Airport (SSRIA), which became an ICAO TRAINAIR Plus Associate Member in April 2017. The centre delivers courses for staff development and aspiring airport professionals.To reduce its ecological impact, Mauritius International Airport joined the ACI Carbon Accreditation Programme. A specialized consulting firm has begun the carbon mapping process. The airport maintains a strong environmental protection framework and aims to benchmark against global best practices.
A promising future
Year 2017 promises to be a marking year for Mauritius Airport, as it prepares to host the 27th ACI Africa/ World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition from the 16 to 18 October. This event is much awaited locally and has aroused the interest of all airport and aviation stakeholders. This year’s conference theme which is focussed on “Bold leadership amidst changing times” is a perfect opportunity for airports to reflect on the means and ways to improve their resilience and charter the way ahead. There are already very high expectations regarding the outcomes of the conference and high level symposiums scheduled during the 3-day event.
The ASQ Award Ceremony of the best performing airports of year 2016 will also be held during a special gala dinner on 17 October 2017. Mauritius Airport will have the special honour of receiving its Best Airport in Africa award at home. AML is working hard with all its partners to make of this assembly and conference a memorable event for all the 600 plus foreign delegates expected to attend.
Main key takeaways
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSRIA) — also called Mauritius International Airport — is the island’s only international gateway, handling millions of passengers annually.
- Ranked among the best airports in Africa, SSRIA has received multiple ACI awards, including Best Airport in Africa (under 5 million passengers) and recognition for safety and service excellence.
- The airport connects Mauritius to over 30 destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa through 18 airlines, including members of the world’s three major airline alliances.
- Facilities include a modern passenger terminal with lounges, duty-free shopping at SSR airport, childcare and medical services, as well as a 49-hectare Freeport and Cargo Zone.
- Mauritius Airport (SSRIA) plays a strategic role in the nation’s economy, investing in infrastructure upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and global training through its ICAO-certified Aviation Training Centre.
- Active participation in ACI’s APEX Safety and Security programmes and the Carbon Accreditation Programme reflects SSRIA’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the airport code for Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport?
The official codes are MRU (IATA) and FIMP (ICAO).
How far is Mauritius International Airport from Port Louis?
The airport is located about 48 km from Port Louis. Travelers can choose from taxis, private shuttles, or car rentals at SSR International Airport.
Which airlines fly to SSRIA?
Around 18 airlines operate at SSRIA, connecting Mauritius to more than 30 international destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Does Mauritius Airport offer visa on arrival?
Yes, eligible travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Mauritius Airport, subject to entry requirements set by the Government of Mauritius.
What services are available for passengers at SSR Airport?
Services include lounges, medical facilities, childcare, prayer rooms, and duty-free shopping at SSR airport. Business and leisure travelers also have access to airport hotels near SSRIA.
What sustainability initiatives are in place at Mauritius International Airport?
The airport is enrolled in the ACI Carbon Accreditation Programme and follows a structured environmental protection framework, aiming to benchmark with best global practices.
What future projects are planned at SSRIA?
Planned projects include the construction of a new 70-meter Air Traffic Control Tower, continued terminal modernization, and digital service upgrades to improve passenger experience.
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