Gurvan Saikhan Airport Reopens to Welcome Sustainable Tourism"

Gurwan Saikhan airport ball in service

After months of renovation and high anticipation, Gurvan Saikhan Airport has officially reopened, restoring a vital transportation link to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. The reopening is seen as a significant boost to both domestic and international tourism, particularly as the peak summer travel season begins.

For months, tour operators, local businesses, and international travelers had been eagerly awaiting the airport’s return to service. Many tours had been forced to reroute or cancel due to the airport closure, affecting travel schedules and business revenues. With the reopening, travel itineraries to the South Gobi are back on track, and tourism operators are reporting a sharp rise in bookings for the remainder of the 2025 travel season.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Road and Transport Development and the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia, the renovation project included the full reconstruction of the runway and taxiway, carried out by Chambai Zam LLC between April 21 and June 15. The airport can now accommodate larger aircraft, operate more frequent and reliable flights, and provide safer services for both passengers and airlines.

At the official reopening ceremony, attended by high-level officials such as Minister B. Delgersaikhan, MP N. Naranbaatar, and Ömnögovi Governor N. Enkhbat, local stakeholders expressed optimism about the positive economic and social impacts of the upgrade.

Key Gateway to Gobi Attractions

Strategically located near Dalanzadgad, the capital of Ömnögovi Province, Gurvan Saikhan Airport is the main access point to several of Mongolia’s world-renowned natural wonders:

·       Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Gorge)

·       Khongoryn Els (Singing Sand Dunes)

·       Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)

These sites, part of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, attract thousands of visitors annually. The upgraded airport is now better equipped to support the growing number of eco-conscious travelers drawn to the region’s unique landscapes and nomadic culture.

Impact on Tourism and Sustainable Growth

The reopening is expected to:

·       Revitalize tour packages and boost tourism operators’ business

·       Reduce travel time and increase comfort for travelers from Ulaanbaatar and abroad

·       Support local livelihoods by increasing demand for guides, transport, lodging, and food services

·       Encourage sustainable tourism practices in partnership with conservation programs in the Gobi Desert

Looking Ahead

This renovation aligns with Mongolia’s long-term goal to develop regional air hubs and enhance tourism infrastructure nationwide. Airlines such as Aero Mongolia, Hunnu Air, and MIAT Mongolian Airlines are expected to ramp up operations to Dalanzadgad, including new routes and seasonal charters.

With its doors now open, Gurvan Saikhan Airport is once again a critical link between the capital and the vast landscapes of the Gobi, ready to welcome explorers, nature lovers, and cultural tourists to one of Mongolia’s most iconic destinations.