Mongolian officials have formally requested an urgent expansion of the nation’s primary international airport. This request follows severe congestion from passenger volumes far exceeding original design capacity. Consequently, Road and Transport Minister Delgersaikhan Borkhuu met with Japanese diplomats recently. He specifically sought to accelerate a major upgrade project for Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
The airport was originally designed for just 1.6 million annual passengers. However, it actually handled a staggering 2.4 million travelers in 2025 alone. This fifty percent overcapacity creates daily operational difficulties for travelers. Long baggage claim queues and persistent domestic flight delays now occur regularly. Therefore, the government labels the infrastructure upgrade an immediate national priority.
Minister Delgersaikhan presented this case to Japanese Ambassador Masaru Igawahara. Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency also attended the meeting. The discussion focused on using a Japanese concessional yen loan for the project. Mongolia specifically wants to amend the existing bilateral agreement terms. The government seeks an earlier construction start and a shorter overall project timeline.
Officials additionally requested accelerated planning and feasibility studies. These studies must now project passenger traffic growth all the way to 2039. This long-term planning underscores the scale of the required urgent expansion. The nation currently operates flights to fifty-six international destinations globally. Rising transit passenger numbers further strain the outdated terminal facilities.
The government concurrently plans a new transit hotel through a public-private partnership. This short-term measure could alleviate some immediate passenger discomfort. Meanwhile, a separate fee dispute complicates the broader aviation sector’s financial health. The airport operator sharply increased international landing fees this year. This change burdens airlines like the state-owned MIAT Mongolian Airlines significantly.
MIAT reportedly faces steep operational losses near ten billion tugriks currently. A three or fourfold fee increase could dramatically raise passenger ticket prices. The Mongolian side therefore proposed introducing any new fees in gradual stages. Both parties agreed on the necessity for further consultations on this sensitive issue.
The Japanese side acknowledged that preparation work is already accelerating. Ambassador Igawahara confirmed the need for more discussion on financing. Specifically, planning for a new cargo terminal requires additional detailed talks. This project component is also essential for Mongolia’s economic growth strategy. Efficient cargo handling supports the nation’s export sectors and regional trade ambitions.
The successful urgent expansion of the airport will support national economic development goals. Enhanced capacity can attract more international airlines and tourism revenue. It also strengthens Mongolia’s position as a regional transit and logistics hub. The project symbolizes the deepening strategic partnership between Mongolia and Japan. Final agreement terms will shape the country’s connectivity for the next decade. This urgent expansion remains critical for Mongolia’s future growth and global integration.
