Khovd Airport

Khovd Airport (HVD) is not merely a runway in the middle of the steppe, but the main aerial gateway to the distinctive and alluring world of Western Mongolia. It is from here that expeditions to the snow-capped peaks of the Mongolian Altai, journeys to salt lakes, and introductions to the culture of the region's numerous ethnic groups begin. Although the airport is small, its role in connecting this remote province with the capital and the wider world cannot be overestimated, making it a key point for any adventure seeker.

The main advantage of Khovd airport is its strategic location. It is a key transport hub for anyone seeking to explore the country's western aimags (provinces), known for their stunning landscapes — from the Gobi Desert to alpine meadows. The airport features a compact and simple terminal, which is essentially a benefit: flight check-in and baggage claim proceed quickly and without the bustle typical of large aviation hubs.

Despite its modest size, the airport handles scheduled flights to Ulaanbaatar, as well as seasonal international charters, linking the region with the outside world. For travellers, this is the starting point for jeep tours, trekking, mountaineering, and ethnographic expeditions. It is upon landing in Khovd that a true adventure begins in one of the most authentic and least explored corners of Asia.

Finding direct and always up-to-date contacts for small regional airports, such as Khovd Airport (HVD), can be challenging. Information is often centralised through the country's aviation authorities or specific airlines. Below are the most complete available details and recommendations for communication.

• Official website: A dedicated website for Khovd Airport is generally unavailable. General information on civil aviation in Mongolia can be found on the portal of the country's Civil Aviation Authority.
• Information desk phone: For general enquiries related to airport operations, you may try calling: +976 7043 3232. We recommend verifying the validity of the number, as it may change.
• Airport address: Khovd Airport (HVD), Khovd city, Mongolia.
• Email: A public email address for general enquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social media: Official social media pages for Khovd Airport are currently unavailable.
• Lost luggage information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should first and foremost contact the representative of the airline you arrived with. Airline staff will help draw up a report and initiate a search.
• Passenger support contacts: To resolve issues regarding air tickets, schedules, flight check-in, or special services on board, it is necessary to contact your airline's support service directly.

Getting to Khovd Airport (HVD) from the city centre of Khovd is quite simple, as it is located just 5-6 kilometres to the south. The journey typically takes no more than 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The main and most reliable ways to reach the terminal are by taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

Taxi and transfer are the most popular and convenient options. A car can be hailed on the city streets or requested via your hotel reception. It is strongly recommended to agree on the fare in advance, as not all drivers use taximeters. Due to the short distance, the trip will be inexpensive. For maximum convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage or do not speak the local language, it is better to book a private transfer through your hotel. This guarantees a fixed price and timely vehicle arrival.

Public transport in Khovd is represented mainly by fixed-route taxis (minibuses), but they lack a strict schedule and a dedicated route to the airport. This method might suit experienced travellers without luggage, but for most tourists, it will be inconvenient and unpredictable. To avoid missing your flight, it is not recommended to rely on this mode of transport.

Car rental and parking. Renting a car makes sense if you plan independent travel around the surroundings of Mongolia. Rental services in the city are offered by local companies, often with a driver. For a simple transfer to the airport, this option would be excessive. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, there is a small open car park at the terminal building where you can leave the car for a short time to drop off or pick up passengers.

Khovd Airport (HVD) is a small regional aviation hub that plays an important role in the transport system of western Mongolia. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making travel through it maximally comfortable. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures.

The terminal layout is very logical and will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced tourist. It is a single-storey building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. Immediately upon entry, you will see the check-in counters, and further along — the security screening area and boarding gate.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in the same building. The Departure zone includes several check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting area with basic amenities. The Arrival zone consists of a separate hall with a baggage claim belt. Thanks to the airport's compact size, the path from the aircraft steps to the terminal exit takes just a few minutes.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Khovd Airport generally proceeds very quickly. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and pass through all procedures without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry; it is virtually impossible to get lost here. All signs are intuitive, and the small number of flights eliminates bustle and long queues. Airport staff are always ready to help and suggest directions. The compactness of the terminal is its main advantage, ensuring fast and convenient passenger service.

The history of Khovd Airport (HVD) is the history of the development and exploration of the western part of Mongolia. Founded in 1962, it began its journey as a small airfield with a dirt runway. From its early days, its main mission was to connect remote regions with the capital, ensuring the transport of people, mail, and necessary goods, which was of immense importance for the life of the local population.

A turning point in the airport's development was the large-scale reconstruction of 2007. During the modernisation, a modern paved runway was built, and a new passenger terminal was erected. These changes allowed Khovd Airport to accept larger aircraft, including Boeing 737 types. This not only increased capacity but also brought flight safety and passenger comfort to a completely new level.

Thanks to these improvements, the airport switched to year-round operation, ensuring reliable air connections with Ulaanbaatar and other cities in the country regardless of weather whims, which previously often made the dirt runway unsuitable for flights. Today, Khovd Airport is an important transport hub for western Mongolia, playing a key role in the development of the regional economy, tourism, and social life. It serves as a vivid example of how modern infrastructure helps unlock the potential of even the most remote corners of the planet.

Khovd Airport (HVD) is a significant regional aviation hub in western Mongolia, serving domestic flights. Given its relatively small size, the range of services here is focused on providing basic comfort and meeting the most essential needs of passengers before departure or immediately after arrival.

Typically, a small buffet or café operates within the terminal building, where you can have a snack, tea, coffee, or soft drinks. The selection of food is usually limited to simple snacks and pastries. Shopping opportunities are also modest: most often, there is a small kiosk selling necessities and local souvenirs.

A general hall is equipped for waiting for flights. Specialised VIP halls or business lounges are absent at the airport. Access to Wi-Fi may be limited, so it is recommended to have mobile internet. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices may also be small — it is better to bring a portable charger (power bank) to keep your gadgets connected.

Financial services, such as currency exchange or ATMs, may be unavailable within the terminal itself. It is recommended to resolve money exchange issues in the city beforehand. A medical point operates at the airport to provide first aid. Conditions for passengers with small children may be basic, so one should be prepared for the absence of a specialised mother and child room.

Passengers with reduced mobility are recommended to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for assistance and support at the airport. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory; however, travellers can easily find accommodation options in the city of Khovd itself, which is a few minutes' drive away. Specialised business services, such as conference rooms, are not provided at the airport.

When planning a departure from Khovd Airport (HVD), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and dining options here are quite limited. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants and cafés as found in major international hubs. Nevertheless, having a snack before a flight is possible.

Typically, one small buffet or café operates in the terminal building. It serves passengers for both departures and arrivals, as the airport consists of a single compact terminal. Here you can find a basic set of snacks, such as biscuits, crisps, and chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks — tea, coffee, water, and sodas. Sometimes the menu includes simple hot dishes that can offer a glimpse of local cuisine, for example, Mongolian dumplings buuzy or noodles tsuivan, but their availability is not guaranteed.

Specialised dietary meals (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are practically impossible to find at Khovd Airport. If you have specific dietary requirements or require Halal-certified specific options beyond general local practice, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. The opening hours of the local café are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the last aircraft departs.

Thus, Khovd Airport is suitable for a quick snack or buying a drink for the road. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the establishments in the city of Khovd before travelling to the airport — this will be both more varied and better value for money.

Planning a trip through the airport of Khovd city? To ensure your journey goes smoothly, make use of our tips. Khovd Airport is a regional transport hub, so processes here usually proceed faster than in large international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure to complete all formalities without haste.

Check-in and security procedures at Khovd Airport generally do not take much time. To speed up the process, have your passport and ticket ready in advance. Remember standard safety rules: liquids in hand luggage must be in containers up to 100 ml, and all sharp objects must be checked in as hold luggage. Be sure to pack documents, money, chargers, and necessary medication in your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that the window offers breathtaking views of the vastness of Mongolia — mountains and endless steppes. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are important to you, choose an aisle seat. Passengers with connections should clarify with the airline in advance whether they will need to collect and re-check luggage at the intermediate point.

If you are arriving on an international flight, be prepared to pass through customs control. Familiarise yourself with the country's customs regulations: which goods must be declared and what restrictions exist on the import and export of currency and cultural valuables. This will help avoid misunderstandings and delays at the border.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online if your airline provides such an option. Also, consider travelling light to avoid paying for excess baggage. There may be a limited selection of cafés in the airport building, so bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after security screening.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Clarify if you are entitled to drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation. In a small airport, opportunities for long waits may be limited, so download films in advance or bring a book to pass the time.