Delhi to Ulaanbaatar in just 5 hours: India-Mongolia launches first direct flight; timings & what passengers need to know

India and Mongolia have started direct, non-stop air connectivity, with a new regular flight linking New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar. The service, launched on Monday, is expected to cut travel time between the two capitals to around five hours and make travel between the countries more convenient.

India-Mongolia direct flight: What is the new route?

Mongolia's Hunnu Air will operate the new direct service between New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar every Monday. The inaugural flight from Ulaanbaatar landed at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport at 7:20 am on Monday, while the first return flight took off from New Delhi at 4:37 pm.

The new route gives passengers a direct alternative to connecting flights, which previously required transit through international hubs such as Beijing or Incheon.


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Delhi-Ulaanbaatar travel time cut to around 5 hours

The new non-stop flight is expected to reduce the journey between India and Mongolia considerably. Connecting journeys between the two countries could previously take around 13 to 18 hours, depending on the route and transit time.

With the direct service, passengers can now travel between the two capitals in around five hours, making short trips and business travel more practical.

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Tourism and medical travel get a boost

The new India-Mongolia flight route is expected to support tourism, medical travel and business links between the two countries.

For Mongolian visitors, direct connectivity could make it easier to travel to Buddhist heritage sites in India. Indian tourists, meanwhile, will have more convenient access to Mongolia's landscapes, historical attractions and winter tourism destinations.

The new connection could also strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Mongolia.

New Delhi-Ulaanbaatar flight could support trade

Apart from passenger travel, the new air link could also benefit bilateral trade. Faster air connectivity may enable quicker and potentially more economical movement of cargo between the two countries.

The route therefore adds an aviation link to the broader economic and strategic relationship between India and Mongolia.

India-Mongolia direct flight was announced in 2025

The launch follows an announcement made during Mongolian President U Khurelsukh's State Visit to India in October 2025.

The proposed direct service was announced at a joint press conference between Khurelsukh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

India's Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve and Hunnu Air CEO Munkhjargal worked with relevant stakeholders to help operationalise the new service.

India-Mongolia connectivity: Visa rules

Travel between the two countries is also supported by simplified visa arrangements. India and Mongolia provide visa-free travel for each other's nationals, while an e-visa facility is also available.

The Embassy of India in Ulaanbaatar said the new air link would further strengthen the multifaceted strategic partnership between India and Mongolia.

It also acknowledged the support of India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Mongolia's Ministry of Road and Transport in establishing the new connection.


Inputs from agencies