United Airlines Launches Historic Flights Connecting Mongolia, Japan, and the United States

Mongolia, Japan, and the United States

Ulaanbaatar / Tokyo / Washington – September 2025In a landmark development for Mongolia’s international connectivity, United Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Tokyo Narita and Ulaanbaatar, marking the first time a U.S. airline has operated scheduled service to Mongolia.

The new route, which began operations on May 1, 2025, offers a crucial link for travelers between Mongolia, Japan, and the United States, supporting growing demand for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.

Flight Details

The new service operates three times per week during the summer season:

UA007: Tokyo Narita (NRT) → Ulaanbaatar (UBN)Departs at 4:30 PM JST, arrives at 8:55 PM ULAT (Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays)

UA006: Ulaanbaatar (UBN) → Tokyo Narita (NRT)Departs at 9:55 AM ULAT, arrives at 3:45 PM JST (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays)

Flights are operated using a Boeing 737-800, offering both business and economy class options.

Connecting Mongolia to the U.S. Market

Although the flights are operated between Tokyo and Ulaanbaatar, they are fully integrated into United’s trans-Pacific network. U.S. travelers can now fly from cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York to Tokyo Narita, and then seamlessly connect to Mongolia via United’s new service.

This makes United the first U.S. carrier to provide a direct itinerary to Mongolia, positioning Ulaanbaatar as a new destination within the airline’s rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific portfolio.

Strategic Significance

The launch follows a series of high-level talks and agreements between United Airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia, and the Government of Mongolia. It is also aligned with Mongolia’s “Go Mongolia” campaign to promote tourism and the country’s long-term development goals.

The Mongolian government worked closely with United to meet international aviation safety and regulatory standards, including preparations for audits by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to officials, the route is expected to:

Boost bilateral tourism and trade between Mongolia, Japan, and the U.S.

Improve regional logistics and connectivity in Northeast Asia.

Support academic, scientific, and cultural exchanges.

Broader Expansion by United

The Mongolia–Japan route is part of United’s largest international expansion in years, which includes eight new destinations in summer 2025. Other additions include Kaohsiung (Taiwan) and Koror (Palau) — both also served via Tokyo Narita.

“We’re proud to be the first U.S. airline to fly to Mongolia,” said a United spokesperson. “This new service reflects our commitment to opening up new frontiers in travel and giving our customers access to more of the world.”

Growing Demand

The move comes as Mongolia experiences a surge in international tourism. In 2024, the number of inbound tourists rose sharply, driven by increased international interest in the country’s unique culture, landscapes, and history.

The introduction of regular direct flights from a major global hub like Tokyo is expected to further accelerate Mongolia’s tourism growth, while also making travel easier for the Mongolian diaspora in North America.

For flight schedules and bookings, visit united.com.