As of January 7, 2026, Mongolia’s aviation sector is experiencing its most significant expansion in decades, as the country opens its skies to more direct international flights and modernized infrastructure. This growth is driven by the government’s “Years to Visit Mongolia” initiative, which aims to boost tourism and elevate Mongolia’s status as a global travel destination. Key milestones for 2026 include new long-haul flight routes connecting Mongolia with North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, alongside a major expansion of Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The government’s strategic vision to enhance global connectivity is coming to life with several new aviation developments confirmed for this year.
What’s New in Mongolia’s Aviation Sector in 2026?
2026 marks a year of unprecedented growth for Mongolia’s air transport network. Significant efforts are underway to increase direct connectivity with international destinations, as well as enhance the country’s infrastructure and visa policies to support this expansion. Some of the most exciting developments include new international flight routes, upgraded fleets, and infrastructure improvements at the newly established Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
1. New International Routes
The launch of several flagship international routes is one of the key highlights of 2026. These new routes are expected to increase direct connectivity between Mongolia and major global markets.
Toronto to Ulaanbaatar (Air Transat): A historic development for Mongolia’s aviation sector is the confirmation of direct flights between Toronto (YYZ) and Ulaanbaatar (UBN), set to commence in June 2026. This route, operated by Air Transat, will be the first direct link between Canada and Mongolia, offering two flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays. The Airbus A321LR, configured with Club Class and Economy, will serve the route. The flight duration will be approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes, cutting down the previous 25-hour journey via other connecting hubs like Seoul or Istanbul.
Singapore Connectivity (MIAT Mongolian Airlines): MIAT Mongolian Airlines has upgraded its Ulaanbaatar–Singapore route to a year-round service. Starting in early 2026, the airline will deploy the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route to cater to growing demand. This is a major milestone for the carrier and underscores the increasing demand for connections between Mongolia and Southeast Asia.
Vietnam Expansion (Hunnu Air): After successful charter trials, Hunnu Air is set to expand its services to Vietnam in 2026. Scheduled flights will operate to popular tourist destinations like Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. The airline is responding to a surge in demand for leisure travel between Vietnam and Mongolia, especially for winter and spring seasons.
China and Regional Growth: In line with the “Air Silk Road” initiative, MIAT and Hunnu Air are increasing flight frequencies to key cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hohhot. This move is expected to strengthen regional air links and foster greater trade and tourism between Mongolia and its neighboring countries.
2. Airport Infrastructure Expansion
Chinggis Khaan International Airport, which opened in 2021, is undergoing a significant expansion to accommodate the growing volume of passengers. The expansion project, authorized by the Mongolian government, aims to increase the airport’s annual capacity beyond the current limit of 2 million passengers.
Terminal Expansion Project: The expansion will include new facilities and an upgraded terminal to handle the increasing flow of international travelers. The project is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance Mongolia’s tourism infrastructure and meet the demands of the growing aviation sector.
Digital Integration: In line with global trends, Chinggis Khaan International Airport is implementing new technology to streamline passenger services. By mid-2026, the airport will introduce Smart Gate technology and digital arrival cards. This will replace traditional paper forms, making the customs process smoother for international travelers.
3. Policy and Visa-Free Travel
Mongolia is also enhancing its appeal to international visitors by extending the visa-free travel policy for several countries. This initiative is expected to increase the number of inbound tourists and improve Mongolia’s overall accessibility.
Visa-Free Travel Extension: In a major policy shift, the Mongolian government has extended its visa-free travel regime until December 31, 2026. Citizens of 34 countries, including most European nations, Australia, and New Zealand, will be able to visit Mongolia for up to 30 days without needing a visa. South Korean nationals are also granted an extended 90-day visa-free stay throughout 2026.
Streamlined Entry: Alongside the visa-free policy, travelers will benefit from the new digital arrival card system, which will be mandatory for international visitors by mid-2026. This system is designed to eliminate long queues at the airport and expedite the entry process.
4. Fleet Modernization
To keep pace with the growing number of international flights, Mongolia’s national carriers are modernizing their fleets. The updates are part of the “Soaring Skies” strategy, which aims to enhance Mongolia’s global connectivity.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines: MIAT has expanded its long-haul fleet by adding more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These state-of-the-art aircraft will be used on long-haul routes to Europe and the newly launched Toronto route.
Hunnu Air: The airline is expanding its fleet by incorporating more Embraer E190 aircraft. These regional jets will help Hunnu Air expand its services to regional hubs in Central Asia and Western China, enabling more frequent and efficient connectivity.
5. Additional Flight Updates
In addition to the flagship routes, several other key updates are planned for 2026:
United Airlines (Newark to Ulaanbaatar): United Airlines will resume its seasonal non-stop service from Newark (EWR) to Ulaanbaatar (UBN) starting April 30, 2026. This will further enhance connectivity between Mongolia and the United States, particularly for travelers from the New York metropolitan area.
MIAT’s Year-Round Service (Singapore & Istanbul): As of January 2026, MIAT Mongolian Airlines has upgraded its Singapore route to year-round service. The carrier has also made similar changes to its Istanbul route, ensuring more consistent service on key international routes.
2026 Aviation Milestone Table
Event Date Impact
Air Transat Launch June 2026 First direct non-stop flight from Canada.
Visa-Free Extension January 2026 Covers 34 countries for the full year.
Digital Arrival Cards Q2 2026 Full transition to paperless immigration.
San Francisco Service Late 2026 Pending FAA Cat 1 certification (Targeted for Q4).
Conclusion: Why 2026 Is the Year to Visit Mongolia
Mongolia’s aviation expansion in 2026 marks a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism and global connectivity. The launch of new international routes, the modernization of fleets, and the strategic extension of the visa-free regime all signal the country’s growing ambition to become a leading tourist destination. As these developments unfold, travelers around the world can expect more accessible, efficient, and exciting travel options to Mongolia than ever before.
With direct flights from cities like Toronto, Singapore, and Newark, alongside improved infrastructure and digital innovations, Mongolia is well-positioned to welcome millions of visitors in the coming years. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or returning to explore more of Mongolia’s vast landscapes and rich history, 2026 is the year to experience everything this unique destination has to offer.

Published Date:2026-01-09