An image of an early Mongolian aircraft operating to and from Ulaanbaatar around 1925. Still, from video by MNB World, available on Youtube.
History of Civil Aviation Development in Mongolia
In 2025, Mongolia celebrates 100 Years of Civil Aviation in the country. In 100
years, it has taken many steps to advance aviation and avail of its benefits. More recently, it has invested significantly in advancing facilitation-related matters.
The following is a short summary of 100 years of civil aviation in Mongolia:
- On May 25, 1925, the history of Mongolia's aviation began when a YU-13 cargo aircraft with six seats landed at Konsulyn Denj, in the east of Ulaanbaatar city.
- Due to the prevailing social system and political-economic relations of the time, Mongolia's civil aviation relied solely on Soviet aircraft until the early 1990s. In 1987, the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia leased its first jet aircraft, the Tu-154B, from the Soviet Union. This was followed by the improved model, the Tu-154M, which was introduced into flight operations. These aircrafts enabled the launch of regular and charter flights to cities such as Moscow, Beijing, Nagoya, Seoul, and Delhi.
- In 1989, Mongolia took a significant step in the development of its aviation sector by officially joining the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), thereby formally establishing its presence in international air relations.
- On January 21, 1999, the "Law on Civil Aviation" was enacted, transforming the Civil Air Transport Administration into the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAA Mongolia), with a new legally mandated structure and organizational framework.
- In 2010, the Government of Mongolia developed and approved the "Air Transport Facilitation Programme". This document was later revised and renamed the "Air Transport Facilitation Regulation," which remains in effect and continues to be implemented today.
- On July 4, 2021, "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport received its first flight and officially commenced operations, marking another historic milestone for the country. "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport is Mongolia's first airport classified under ICAO's 4E category.
- On December 29, 2021, Mongolia became the 82nd member of the ICAO's Public Key Directory (PKD), enabling the country to begin issuing and using machine-readable electronic passports (MRTDs).
- Mongolia also joined the United Nations' Countering Terrorist Travel Programme, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on October 7, 2021. This agreement enabled the transmission of passenger information —Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Records (PNR)— to government agencies through the UN's GoTravel system. In December 2023, Mongolia established the Passenger Data Single Window (PDSW) Center, which centralized passenger information and ensured full compliance with the requirements of ICAO Annex 9 (Facilitation).
- On May 25, 2025, Mongolia celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the establishment and development of its aviation sector. To date, Mongolia has signed "Air Services Agreements" with 48 countries, creating a legal framework for direct flights to 261 cities worldwide. A major milestone in expanding Mongolia's international aviation relations was the signing of the Air Transport Agreement with the United States in 2023.
- Furthermore, Mongolia's three national air carriers currently operate flights to 38 cities in 26 countries. In addition, domestic and international airlines operate regular flights to and from Mongolia on 59 routes spanning 26 countries.
-oOo-
