Chinggis Khaan Int’l Boosts Global Links
Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) is actively working to expand its international connectivity, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Central Asia. Geser Ganbaatar, manager of UBN’s corporate strategy and planning division, confirmed that the airport is exploring new services to the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan. In addition, UBN is looking to build on its traditionally strong, though seasonal, routes—especially those to Thailand, which attracts high outbound travel from Mongolia during the northern winter.
In 2024, UBN handled 2.18 million passengers, with international traffic making up 1.7 million of that figure. The airport’s top source markets included Seoul with 638,000 passengers, Beijing with 240,000, and Istanbul with 147,000. Despite its proximity to Russia, UBN was not heavily impacted by the closure of Russian airspace. Instead, the decline in flights from that region has been more than offset by an increase in South Korean and Chinese passengers. However, Mongolia has experienced a notable drop in overflight numbers and associated fees as Western airlines have reduced their operations through Russian airspace.
UBN is now setting a target to handle 2.4 million passengers in 2025, a figure that will exceed its current designed capacity of 2.3 million. To manage this anticipated growth, discussions are underway with the Mongolian government regarding potential infrastructure upgrades. The airport currently operates from a single 37,000-m² terminal and offers 17 aircraft parking spots. Proposed improvements could include additional floor space and more aircraft stands, ensuring that UBN can accommodate growing passenger demand and expanded route networks.
This strategic initiative is seen as a vital step in positioning Mongolia as a more prominent player in the international aviation market. By enhancing its connectivity with key destinations in the Middle East and Central Asia, UBN aims not only to boost tourism but also to stimulate broader economic activity across the region. As travel demand continues to evolve, these planned upgrades and route expansions will be critical for ensuring that UBN can serve as a competitive and efficient gateway for passengers traveling to and from Mongolia.
UBN’s efforts to expand its international network and upgrade its infrastructure reflect a broader commitment to meeting rising global travel demand. With the planned enhancements and new routes in the pipeline, Ulaanbaatar’s primary international gateway is set to become an even more important hub in Asia, connecting Mongolia with the rapidly growing markets of the Middle East and Central Asia.
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