International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinggis Khaan International Airport | Ulaanbaatar | ZMCK | UBN |
| Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport | Ulaanbaatar | ZMUB | ULN |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altai Airport | Altai | ZMAT | LTI |
| Arvaikheer Airport | Arvaikheer | ZMAH | AVK |
| Baruun-Urt Airport | Baruun-Urt | ZMBU | UUN |
| Bayankhongor Airport | Bayankhongor | ZMBH | BYN |
| Bulgan Airport | Bulgan | ZMBN | UGA |
| Bulgan Airport, Khovd | Bulgan, Khovd | ZMBS | HBU |
| Choibalsan Airport | Choibalsan | ZMCD | COQ |
| Dalanzadgad Airport | Dalanzadgad | ZMDZ | DLZ |
| Donoi Airport | Uliastai | ZMDN | ULZ |
| Kharkhorin Airport | Kharkhorin | ZMHH | KHR |
| Khovd Airport | Khovd | ZMKD | HVD |
| Mörön Airport | Mörön | ZMMN | MXV |
| Ulaangom Airport | Ulaangom | ZMUG | ULO |
| Ölgii Airport | Ölgii | ZMUL | ULG |
Mongolia Airports: Modernisation and Expansion Plans
Mongolia, a vast landlocked country in East Asia, boasts a network of airports that connect its remote regions and link the nation to the world. These airports play a crucial role in the country’s transportation infrastructure, given its expansive territory and challenging terrain.
Mongolia has 12 major airports, including both international and domestic facilities. The largest and most important is the Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. This modern airport, which opened in 2021, replaced the older Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport and can handle up to 3 million passengers annually.
Each Mongolian airport is assigned unique codes by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). These codes help identify airports for flight planning, ticketing, and air traffic control purposes. The country’s airports range from large international hubs to smaller regional airfields, reflecting Mongolia’s diverse geography and population distribution.
Major Airports and Airlines (Mongolia Airport Codes)
Mongolia has several key airports and a national airline that serve as vital transportation hubs. These facilities connect the country internally and to international destinations, supporting tourism and business travel.
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Chinggis Khaan International Airport is Mongolia’s primary aviation gateway. Located near Ulaanbaatar, it opened in 2021 to replace the older Buyant-Ukhaa airport. The new facility boasts modern amenities and improved capacity.
The airport can handle up to 1,100 passengers per hour and three million travellers annually. Its design addresses previous limitations, allowing for safer operations in various weather conditions.
With its strategic location, Chinggis Khaan International serves as a crucial link for both domestic and international flights. It offers connections to major Asian cities and beyond.
Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport
Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport served as Ulaanbaatar’s main airport from 1957 until 2021. Its proximity to mountains limited runway use and often caused weather-related disruptions.
Despite its limitations, Buyant-Ukhaa played a vital role in Mongolia’s air transport for decades. It connected the capital to domestic destinations and international hubs.
The airport’s closure marked a significant shift in Mongolia’s aviation landscape. Its replacement by Chinggis Khaan International Airport represented a major upgrade in the country’s air travel infrastructure.
Regional International Hubs
Mongolia has several regional airports that handle international flights. These include:
- Khovd Airport: Serves western Mongolia
- Altai Airport: Connects the Gobi-Altai region
- Ulaangom Airport: Provides access to Uvs Province
These airports play a crucial role in connecting remote areas to the capital and neighbouring countries. They support tourism and business in their respective regions.
Some airports, like Khanbumbat Airport and Tavan Tolgoi Airport, primarily serve mining operations. These facilities are essential for the country’s resource sector.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines
MIAT Mongolian Airlines is the national carrier and largest airline in Mongolia. It operates a fleet of six aircraft, serving both domestic and international routes.
The airline connects 15 airports within Mongolia and abroad. Its network includes key Asian destinations and select European cities.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines plays a vital role in the country’s air transport system. It ensures connectivity for remote regions and supports Mongolia’s growing tourism industry.
The airline faces challenges in a competitive market but remains an important player in Mongolian aviation. Its future growth is closely tied to the country’s economic development and international relations.
Infrastructure and Connectivity (Mongolia Airport Codes)
Mongolia’s airports play a crucial role in connecting the vast country. The nation’s air transport system includes modern facilities, a growing domestic network, and strategic border airports.
Airport Facilities and Services
Chinggis Khaan International Airport serves as Mongolia’s primary gateway. It offers modern amenities and improved regional connectivity.
The airport features a spacious terminal building with duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. Immigration and customs facilities are equipped to handle international travellers efficiently.
Air traffic control systems use advanced technology to ensure safe operations. The runway can accommodate large aircraft, enabling long-haul flights to major global hubs.
Ground transport options include taxis, buses, and car hire services. These connect the airport to Ulaanbaatar and other parts of the country.
Domestic Air Traffic Network (Mongolia Airport Codes)
Mongolia’s domestic air network links major cities and remote areas. MIAT Mongolian Airlines operates most domestic routes, along with smaller regional carriers.
Key domestic airports include:
- Mörön Airport: Serves the northern Khövsgöl region
- Dalanzadgad Airport: Gateway to the Gobi Desert
- Choibalsan Airport: Connects the eastern provinces
Many domestic airports have basic facilities suited to smaller aircraft. These include passenger terminals, short runways, and essential navigation aids.
Flight schedules can be affected by Mongolia’s extreme weather conditions. Winter operations often require special procedures due to low temperatures and snow.
Border and Regional Airports
Border airports boost Mongolia’s international connectivity. They facilitate trade and tourism with neighbouring countries.
Notable border airports include:
- Bayan-Ölgii Airport: Near the Kazakhstan border
- Khovd Airport: Serves western Mongolia and nearby Russian regions
Regional airports support local economies and improve access to remote areas. Examples are:
- Bayankhongor Airport: Serves the central region
- Öndörkhaan Airport: Connects the eastern steppes
These airports typically have modest facilities. They handle smaller aircraft and offer limited passenger services.
Upgrades are planned for several regional airports to improve infrastructure and boost economic growth. This includes extending runways and modernising terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions (Mongolia Airport Codes)
Mongolia has several airports serving both domestic and international travellers. These airports connect the country to major cities around the world and provide essential transportation within Mongolia.
How many international airports can be found in Mongolia?
Mongolia has three international airports. These include Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar, Ölgii Airport in the western part of the country, and Khovd Airport in the southwest.
Which is considered the main airport in Mongolia?
Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the primary airport in Mongolia. It serves as the main hub for international and domestic flights, handling the majority of air traffic in and out of the country.
What are the primary airports to fly into for Mongolia?
The main airport for flying into Mongolia is Chinggis Khaan International Airport. It is located near Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. For travellers heading to western Mongolia, Ölgii Airport and Khovd Airport are also options.
Can you provide a list of operating airports in Mongolia?
Mongolia has several operating airports. These include Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Ölgii Airport, Khovd Airport, Mörön Airport, and Choibalsan Airport. There are also smaller regional airports serving various parts of the country.
What is the designated airport code for Chinggis Khaan International Airport?
The airport code for Chinggis Khaan International Airport is UBN. This code is used by airlines and booking systems to identify the airport.
Which airlines provide services to and from Ulaanbaatar Airport?
Several airlines operate flights to and from Ulaanbaatar Airport. These include MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Korean Air, Air China, and Aeroflot. Domestic carriers like Hunnu Air and Aero Mongolia also provide services to various destinations within the country.
