Moscow-Ulaanbaatar Flights Could Return as Russia and Mongolia Talk

Officials from Russia and Mongolia are in discussions to bring back direct flights between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar, a route that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The talks are happening on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which runs from June 3 to 6.

Baasanjargal Tuvshintugs, an advisor at Mongolia’s trade mission in Russia, told reporters that restoring air links between the capitals is a top priority. “This issue comes up at every major intergovernmental meeting,” he said. “It is very urgent.”

But there are obstacles. Tuvshintugs explained that most of Mongolia’s commercial aircraft are leased from Western companies. And those Western governments have prohibited the planes from flying to Russia. That restriction is the main technical challenge.

Before the pandemic, several airlines operated direct flights between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar, making travel easier for tourists, business travelers, and families. Since the suspension, passengers have had to rely on connecting flights through third countries, adding hours and expense to the journey.

Neither side has announced a timeline for resuming the service. But the fact that the topic is being raised repeatedly at high-level meetings suggests both governments see it as a key piece of the bilateral relationship. For now, the issue remains on the table—and on the agenda.