Mongolia to Philippines: New Direct Flight Launches Boost Tourism Between Two Nations!

Published on December 26, 2025

On December 26, 2025, the Philippines celebrated the arrival of its first winter charter flight from Mongolia, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in tourism relations between the two countries. The Hunnu Air LLC-operated flight arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, bringing 126 passengers, primarily Mongolian nationals, to the islands of the Philippines. This special flight marks the launch of a limited direct air link between Mongolia and various Philippine destinations, opening up new travel opportunities for both countries.

This charter service, which runs from December 25, 2025 to January 10, 2026, consists of four rotations, offering an additional 616 seats for passengers. This new route comes at a perfect time, coinciding with the peak winter travel season in Mongolia, when many travelers look to escape the cold and seek warmer destinations. The launch of this flight is seen as a crucial step toward expanding the Philippines’ tourism offerings and fostering greater international connections.

The Significance of the New Charter Flight Route

The launch of this new direct flight route is a significant milestone in Philippine tourism, particularly in opening up a niche market in Mongolia. As stated by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, the goal of introducing direct access via charter flights is to lower travel barriers and increase the ease of access for Mongolian travelers to visit the Philippines. By offering this direct air link, the Philippines is positioning itself as an accessible destination for Mongolian tourists seeking an escape from their cold winter months.

Mongolia, a country with a population of around 3.4 million people, has traditionally had limited access to direct flights to the Philippines, with travelers often having to transit through third countries. This indirect travel route required additional visas and extended travel times. The new charter flights will simplify the process, providing Mongolian travelers with a more convenient and efficient way to reach the Philippines, and encouraging longer stays and more frequent visits.

Strategic Timing for Winter Tourism

The timing of this charter service is no coincidence. It has been strategically planned to coincide with Mongolia’s peak winter travel season, when the demand for warmer destinations is at its highest. Many Mongolians seek respite from their freezing winters by traveling to countries like the Philippines, which offers sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and a wide array of tourism experiences. By offering a direct flight route, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to cater to this growing demand and attract more winter tourists from Mongolia in the coming years.

The increase in direct flights is expected to boost the tourism sector in both countries, with the Philippines benefiting from the influx of Mongolian tourists seeking tropical vacations, while also allowing Mongolian nationals to explore the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and diverse tourist destinations.

Future Prospects for Tourism Cooperation

The Philippines’ launch of the direct flight route to Mongolia reflects the ongoing efforts of the Marcos administration to diversify source markets for tourism and strengthen air connectivity to fuel the growth of the country’s tourism industry. In the past, the Philippines has worked to enhance its relations with key markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and East Asia, but this new flight signifies a deliberate expansion of efforts to establish stronger ties with more niche tourism markets like Mongolia.

In addition to improving tourism exchange, this new air link opens the door for future business collaborations between Mongolia and the Philippines, including in hospitality, cultural exchanges, and commercial partnerships. The Philippine government recognizes the importance of establishing stronger diplomatic and economic ties through the tourism sector, and Mongolia’s growing interest in travel to the Philippines offers significant potential.

Why Mongolia is a Key Market for the Philippines

Though Mongolia is currently ranked as a smaller player in the Philippines’ overall tourism market, it holds considerable growth potential. As of December 2025, Mongolia ranks 57th among the Philippines’ inbound markets, with 3,234 visitors recorded. The new direct flights are expected to significantly increase these numbers by providing easier access and improved travel options.

Mongolian travelers are increasingly looking for international destinations to visit, and the Philippines’ tropical climate, rich cultural heritage, and affordable luxury make it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers. The new flight service is expected to tap into this market and promote the Philippines’ tourism brand to Mongolian citizens, who are already accustomed to international travel.

Expanding Travel Opportunities: A Broader Vision for Philippine Tourism

This new charter service to Mongolia is part of a broader vision by the Philippine Department of Tourism to expand the country’s appeal as a global tourism destination. The Philippines has long been known for its white-sand beaches, diverse natural wonders, and vibrant culture, but increasing air connectivity will open doors to new travelers and new tourism markets that may have previously been overlooked.

As the world recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for enhanced tourism infrastructure and more efficient travel routes has become more apparent. The Philippines is responding to this demand by working to ensure that all visitors, whether from Southeast Asia or Central Asia, have a seamless, accessible way to explore the country.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism Growth

The launch of the direct flight route from Mongolia to the Philippines represents a crucial step in the country’s ongoing efforts to attract more international tourists and create sustained growth in its tourism sector. The Philippines is not only providing easier access for Mongolian travelers but also fostering deeper cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations.

By improving connectivity, offering diverse travel options, and promoting a broader range of destinations, the Philippines is positioning itself as a top-tier tourism destination for global travelers. As the new charter flights continue, Mongolia is expected to become an increasingly important source market for the Philippines, helping to drive the growth of both countries’ tourism industries in the years to come.