In a strategic move to diversify the country’s tourism portfolio, the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially welcomed the arrival of the first winter charter flight from Mongolia today, December 26, 2025.
Operated by Hunnu Air LLC, the chartered flight touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at 7:20 a.m. The aircraft carried 126 passengers, primarily Mongolian nationals looking to escape the harsh Central Asian winter for the Philippines’ tropical climate.
The initiative is part of a broader government mandate to establish the Philippines as a premier destination for emerging niche markets. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted that this milestone aligns with the administration’s goal of strengthening international air connectivity.
“This charter operation reflects the President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Administration’s push to diversify our source markets,” Secretary Frasco stated. “By coordinating with government agencies and travel trade partners, we are making the Philippines more accessible to travelers who previously faced the hurdles of transit visas and indirect routes.”
The launch is timed to coincide with Mongolia’s peak outbound travel season. Currently, Mongolia ranks 56th among the Philippines’ inbound markets and is managed under the DOT China Office. Historically, the lack of direct commercial routes has forced Mongolian travelers to transit through third countries.
Key highlights of the charter series include:
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Duration: December 25, 2025, to January 10, 2026.
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Operations: Four planned flight rotations.
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Capacity: An estimated 616 additional seats dedicated to this new route.
By providing direct access, the DOT aims to convert this niche interest into a sustainable tourism stream. The extended stays typical of winter travelers from Central Asia present a significant opportunity for local hospitality and retail sectors.
The DOT remains committed to working with private and public stakeholders to transition these successful charter programs into regular commercial services in the future.
