New Charter Flights Connect Philippines with Mongolia Market

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The Philippines has initiated a new tourism link in Central and North Asia by welcoming a charter flight from Mongolia, marking a key development for the country's tourism sector. A Hunnu Air flight arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on December 26, 2025, carrying 126 passengers, primarily Mongolian nationals. Passengers were greeted with beaded necklaces as a gesture of welcome upon arrival.

This development represents an effort by the Philippines to diversify its tourist sources beyond traditional markets. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the government's strategy to enhance air connectivity, a crucial factor in driving tourism growth. Mongolia is considered a niche market and is managed by the Department of Tourism's China Office. As of December 26, Mongolia ranked 56th among inbound tourist sources to the Philippines.

Hunnu Air announced the milestone on social media, stating, "Hunnu Air company made its first flight this year to UB–Manila on December 25, 2025." The absence of direct commercial flights between the Philippines and Mongolia has so far required Mongolian travelers to transit through third countries, often necessitating additional visas.

The charter flights, scheduled from December 25, 2025, to January 10, 2026, are set to offer four rotations, contributing an estimated 616 new seats for Mongolian tourists. The timing is strategic, coinciding with Mongolia’s peak winter travel season when travelers look for warmer destinations for extended stays, reported PhilStar.

Key Takeaways

• The Philippines welcomes its first charter flight from Mongolia.
• The initiative seeks to diversify tourism and improve air connectivity.
• Scheduled charter flights will coincide with Mongolia's peak travel season.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-12-29