The Department of Tourism welcomed a direct access to a new niche market in Central Asia with the arrival of the first chartered flight from Mongolia.
The Hunnu Air LLC flight touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at 7:20 a.m. on Dec. 26, 2025, with 126 passengers. The service marks the first time a direct air link has connected the two nations, providing a faster alternative to traditional routes that require transiting through third countries.
The initiative is timed to capture outbound demand during Mongolia’s peak winter season when travelers seek warmer destinations for long-term stays.
Without direct flights, Mongolian travelers often face longer travel times and additional visa requirements for transit hubs, making the Philippines less competitive against regional rivals.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the charter flight reflects the government’s strategy to diversify inbound markets and strengthen international air links to drive tourism growth.
The operation involved coordination between government agencies and travel trade partners to ensure seamless travel.
The series of scheduled flights will run from Dec. 25, 2025 to Jan. 10, 2026. With four planned rotations, the service is expected to add 616 seats to the route.
Mongolia is classified as a niche source market under the jurisdiction of the Department of Tourism China Office.
It ranked 56th among inbound markets for the Philippines as of Dec. 26, 2025.
