list of airports in Mongolia
Exploring the Skies: A Guide to Airports in Mongolia
Mongolia, the land of the eternal blue sky, is a country of vast landscapes, nomadic culture, and growing connectivity. While often perceived as remote, Mongolia is steadily expanding its air travel infrastructure to support tourism, business, and internal travel. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Mongolia, covering both international hubs and domestic airstrips. Whether you’re planning a trip to Ulaanbaatar or venturing into the countryside, understanding your air travel options is crucial.
International Airports Serving Mongolia
Mongolia currently has two internationally certified airports: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar and Mörön Airport (MOR).
Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) is the primary international gateway to Mongolia. Located approximately 50km (31 miles) south of Ulaanbaatar, it handles the vast majority of international passenger and cargo traffic. Recent expansions and upgrades have significantly improved the airport’s capacity and facilities, including a new terminal building opened in 2021. Airlines connecting through UBN primarily serve destinations in East Asia, including China, South Korea, Turkey, and Germany. The airport offers essential services like currency exchange, duty-free shopping, and restaurants.
Mörön Airport (MOR), also known as Khökh Khot Airport, serves the province of Övörkhangai and is a key access point for tourists visiting the central Mongolian countryside, particularly the Orkhon Valley cultural landscape. While smaller than Ulaanbaatar’s airport, Mörön handles some international flights, mainly charter services catering to tourism and resource exploration. It’s undergoing modernization to accommodate increased traffic and improve passenger experience.
Domestic Airports & Airstrips: Connecting the Country
Beyond the two international airports, Mongolia boasts a network of domestic airports and airstrips vital for connecting remote regions. These facilities are often smaller and cater primarily to short-haul flights operated by domestic carriers like Aero Mongolia, Hunnu Air, and MIAT Mongolian Airlines. Many are unpaved and operate seasonally, depending on weather conditions.
The development of these domestic air links is crucial for supporting economic activity in the provinces and facilitating tourism to areas beyond Ulaanbaatar. However, it’s important to note that schedules can be unpredictable, and flights are often subject to change due to weather or operational factors.
List of Airports in Mongolia
Here’s a table listing the major airports and airstrips in Mongolia, including their IATA/ICAO codes and approximate locations:
| Airport Name | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Location (Province) | Surface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinggis Khaan International Airport | UBN | MGLT | Ulaanbaatar | Paved | Main International Airport |
| Mörön Airport | MOR | MMOM | Övörkhangai | Paved | Some International Charters |
| Dalanzadgad Airport | DLZ | MMDK | Ömnögovi | Unpaved | Access to Gobi Desert |
| Khovd Airport | KVD | MMJD | Khovd | Paved | Western Mongolia |
| Ulgii Airport | ULG | MMUL | Bayan-Ölgii | Paved | Western Mongolia, near Altai Mountains |
| Öndörkhaan Airport | UNN | MMZN | Khentii | Paved | Eastern Mongolia |
| Choibalsan Airport | CHB | MMCC | Dornod | Paved | Eastern Mongolia |
| Tavan Tolgoi Airport | TVN | MMQT | Ömnögovi | Unpaved | Serves Tavan Tolgoi coal mine |
| Saikhan Ovoo Airport | SKO | MMSS | Dundgovi | Unpaved | |
| Baganuur Airport | BGN | MMBN | Töv | Unpaved | Serves Baganuur coal mine |
| Erdenet Airport | EDT | MMED | Orkhon | Unpaved | |
| Murun Airport | MUU | MMUM | Khuvsgul | Unpaved | |
| Altantög Airport | ATG | MMAG | Govi-Altai | Unpaved | |
| Bayankhongor Airport | BYR | MMBA | Bayankhongor | Unpaved | |
| Gobi Airport | GOI | MMGB | Govi-Altai | Unpaved | |
| Kharkhorin Airport | KHR | MMKH | Övörkhangai | Unpaved | Near the ancient capital |
Note: This list is not exhaustive, as Mongolia has numerous smaller, unlisted airstrips.
Future Developments in Mongolian Aviation
Mongolia is actively pursuing plans to further develop its aviation infrastructure. Key projects include:
- New Ulaanbaatar International Airport (NUB): A long-planned new international airport intended to replace Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Construction has faced delays, but remains a priority for increasing capacity and improving international connectivity.
- Airport Modernization: Ongoing upgrades to existing airports, particularly Mörön, to improve safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort.
- Expansion of Domestic Network: Efforts to improve and expand the domestic airport network to better serve remote communities and promote tourism.
- Increased Air Service Agreements: Negotiating new air service agreements with other countries to attract more international airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main international airport in Mongolia?
A1: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar.
Q2: Are most domestic airports in Mongolia paved?
A2: No, the majority of domestic airports and airstrips are unpaved.
Q3: Is it easy to find direct flights to Mongolia from North America?
A3: Direct flights are rare. Most travelers connect through East Asian hubs like Seoul, Beijing, or Istanbul.
Q4: What airlines fly to Mongolia?
A4: MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Aero Mongolia, Hunnu Air, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, and Air China are some of the airlines serving Mongolia.
Q5: How reliable are domestic flight schedules in Mongolia?
A5: Domestic flight schedules can be unpredictable and are often subject to change due to weather conditions and operational factors.
Resources
- MIAT Mongolian Airlines: https://www.miat.com/
- Aero Mongolia: https://aeromongolia.mn/
- Hunnu Air: https://www.hunnuair.com/
- Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia: https://mcaa.gov.mn/ (Mongolian language, translation recommended)
- Ulaanbaatar Airport Official Website: https://newairport.mgl/en/
