NEW DELHI:
India and Mongolia have entered a new phase of air connectivity with the launch of a regular non-stop flight between New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar.
The service, operated by Mongolia-based Hunnu Air, began on Monday and will operate once a week on Mondays. The direct connection is expected to reduce travel time between the two capitals to around five hours.
The launch marks the beginning of direct scheduled air connectivity between the two countries. Until now, travellers between India and Mongolia generally depended on connecting flights through other international hubs.
The new service is expected to facilitate travel between the two countries for business, tourism, education and other purposes. It also provides an additional transport link between India and Mongolia at a time when both sides are seeking to expand bilateral engagement.
The direct flight is particularly significant for improving people-to-people connectivity. Faster travel could make it easier for tourists, students, business delegations and officials to travel between the two countries.
The service will initially operate once a week, with the possibility of increased connectivity depending on passenger demand and the development of the India-Mongolia aviation market.
The launch is part of India’s broader effort to strengthen international air links and improve direct connectivity with countries in Asia.