India and Mongolia are now directly connected by air, significantly reducing travel time between their capitals. Hunnu Air, a Mongolian airline, has inaugurated a regular non-stop service between New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar, bringing the journey down to approximately five hours.
Previously, travelers faced arduous routes requiring layovers in major hubs like Beijing or Incheon, extending travel durations to between 13 and 18 hours. The new direct service, which operates every Monday, offers a convenient and efficient alternative.
Boosting Bilateral Ties and Trade
The establishment of this direct air link is anticipated to foster stronger connections across multiple sectors. For tourists, it unlocks easier access to India's rich Buddhist heritage sites for Mongolian visitors, while Indian travelers can explore Mongolia's unique landscapes, historical landmarks, and burgeoning winter tourism destinations with greater ease.
Beyond leisure, the flights are poised to benefit business travelers and individuals seeking medical treatment. Crucially, the air corridor is also expected to facilitate bilateral trade by enabling faster and potentially more economical movement of cargo between the two nations, strengthening economic ties.
Diplomatic Vision Realized
This new direct service fulfills a commitment made during Mongolian President U. Khurelsukh's State Visit to India in October 2025. The announcement was a key outcome of a joint press conference held by President Khurelsukh and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
The successful operationalization of the flight route was a collaborative effort involving India's Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, and Hunnu Air CEO Munkhjargal, alongside various stakeholders. The Embassy of India in Ulaanbaatar acknowledged the support from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Mongolia's Ministry of Road and Transport in establishing this vital connection, emphasizing its role in bolstering the multifaceted strategic partnership between the two countries.
Further facilitating travel, both India and Mongolia already offer visa-free travel for each other's nationals, complemented by an e-visa facility, making cross-border journeys even more accessible.