Guide to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
About the airport
Plaisance Airport or Sir Sewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to quote its full name, serves the island of Mauritius. It is located in the village of Plaine Magnies and is 48km from the capital of Port Louis. The airport is named after the first prime minister of Mauritius.
How can I fly there?
At the present time, 13 airlines fly into Mauritius from limited destinations worldwide such as
London Gatwick and
Heathrow, however some routes are seasonal even though it is such a popular holiday destination.
How do I get around?
Public transport is very limited, so the best option is to hire a car to explore the island. If you don’t want to drive, you can book a taxi tour - many taxi companies will take you to the city of Port Louis and stop off at sights and shops on the way.
What facilities are at the airport?
The AML information desk can answer all your questions concerning your travel arrangements and the airport itself. There is also a tourist information desk and a desk run by the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of Mauritius. There you can book accommodation or find out about tours and attractions on the island. La Terasse Lounge is available to all first and business class ticket holders, you can relax in comfort before your flight and check up on your emails there, over a coffee. There are 2 foreign exchange counters and 3 banks, if you need to get some rupees or you can use one of the 5 ATMs around the terminal.
Shopping and dining
You can shop at the Mauritius Duty Free Paradise boutiques - they have luxury items on sale such as jewellery and perfumes or you can just buy a box of chocolates. Spirits and tobacco items are also available. There is a bookstore and 2 shops selling flowers and local handicraft items, so head there for your souvenirs. If you get hungry there are some cafes at the airport featuring continental and Mauritian cuisine.
Mauritius is a tropical paradise, right?
Yes, there are beautiful white sandy beaches and blue lagoons, just as you would expect. Visit
Grand Baie for the best in beaches as well as shopping and nightlife, it is also popular with the locals. Take a boat trip from Port Louis to Blue Bay Island and Marine Park, where you can relax on the beach and swim or go scuba diving.
Shop for souvenirs at the colourful Flacq Market, the largest open air market in Mauritius. Visit the L’aventure du Sucre, an old sugar cane factory and now a museum and discover more about the island’s heritage. For a quiet moment, spend time at the SSR Botanical Garden, it dates from 1770 and has flora and fauna unique to Mauritius. The Tamarind Falls is a beautiful spot with 7 waterfalls surrounded by green mountains and sugar cane fields, there you can swim or enjoy the exotic plants and wildlife.
Where can I stay near the airport?
The Shandrani Resort and Spa is 10 minutes away from the airport. It is an all inclusive 5 star resort with apartment complexes. You can relax at the spa or sit by one of the hotel pools. If you are more adventurous, try the waterskiing or various water sports on offer. You can play golf or use the fitness centre too. In the evening there are 5 restaurants to choose from where you can eat local and international dishes, buffet or a la carte style.