SCAT Launches First Direct Astana–Ulaanbaatar Flights: A New Corridor for Business Travel to Mongolia

Starting June 2, SCAT operates direct flights between Astana and Ulaanbaatar. This is the first direct air link between Kazakhstan and Mongolia in history — until now the journey required a connection in Beijing, Seoul or Moscow.

Flights operate twice a week on a Boeing 737. From Astana — on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing at 20:30 and arriving at 00:00. Back from Ulaanbaatar — on Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing at 01:00 and arriving at 04:40. Flight time is about three and a half hours.

Why this matters for travel managers. Previously, a trip to Mongolia meant at least one connection and a full day lost in transit each way. The direct flight removes those costs: a business trip from Astana fits the “depart in the evening, arrive in the morning” format, cutting the ticket price, the cost of an overnight stay in a transit city, and the risk of a missed connection.

What to consider when planning. With a late-evening departure and a night-time arrival, allow the employee time to rest before morning meetings and book the transfer from Chinggis Khaan airport in advance. With only two flights a week, tie trip dates strictly to departure days — otherwise the employee will be stuck for an extra day. If your company has projects in mining, logistics or trade with Mongolia, it makes sense to add the destination to your travel policy in advance and check advance-purchase fares.

Do you send employees to Mongolia? Tell us in the comments how you handled the routing before — and share this post with colleagues who will face the same task.