Uliastai, MN 🇲🇳 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
ZMDN
IATA
ULZ
Elevation
5800 ft
Region
MN-057
Local Time
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Loading...GPS Code: ZMDN
Local Code: Not available
Location: 47.7093° N, 96.5258° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Small Airport
Keywords: New Uliastai Airport
Donoi Airport (IATA: ULZ, ICAO: ZMDN) serves as the primary air gateway to Uliastai, the administrative center of Mongolia's remote Zavkhan Province. Its principal role is to provide a vital connection for residents, government officials, and a small number of tourists between this isolated western region and the nation's capital, Ulaanbaatar. Given the vast distances and challenging overland travel conditions in Mongolia, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for regional transport and economic activity.
The current Donoi Airport officially opened in 2002, replacing the old Uliastai Airport which was situated closer to the city but had operational limitations. The development of the new airfield was a significant step in improving the reliability and safety of air travel to the province. Its history reflects the broader effort to modernize infrastructure across Mongolia and better integrate its remote aimags (provinces) with the central hub of Ulaanbaatar.
Located in the Donoi Valley, the airport is situated approximately 25 kilometers west of Uliastai city. The journey between the airport and the city center typically takes 30 to 45 minutes by vehicle. Access is via a rural road, and travelers should be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride. Ground transportation is not always readily available upon arrival, so it is common for passengers to pre-arrange transfers with their hotel, a local tour operator, or a private driver.
Operations at Donoi Airport are exclusively domestic. Scheduled passenger flights connect Uliastai with Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar. These routes are typically operated by Mongolian domestic carriers such as Hunnu Air and Aero Mongolia. Flight schedules are often seasonal, with increased frequency during the warmer summer months and reduced service in the winter. The airport features a single unpaved runway and handles a low volume of passengers consistent with its role as a small regional facility.
The airport's facilities are basic and functional, designed to meet the essential needs of travelers. The terminal is a small, single-story building containing a check-in counter, a modest waiting area, and restroom facilities. There are no lounges, currency exchange services, or dedicated restaurants. At times, a small kiosk may offer light snacks and beverages, but availability should not be relied upon.
For those traveling through Donoi Airport, it is advisable to arrange ground transportation well in advance. Arriving at the terminal at least 90 minutes before a scheduled departure is recommended to accommodate the manual check-in process. Travelers should reconfirm their flight status 24 hours prior to travel, as schedules can change due to weather or operational factors. It is also wise to carry personal snacks, water, and any necessary medications, as airport amenities are extremely limited.
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Traveler reviews and experiences for Donoi Airport (ZMDN (ULZ)) in Uliastai, Mongolia, are limited in detail and number, making it challenging to provide a comprehensive summary of direct passenger sentiment. However, available information suggests it functions as a small but essential regional airport, primarily serving domestic routes. The overall impression is that of a functional hub providing basic services for travelers in the Zavkhan Province.
What Travelers Love (Inferred from Available Information):
Common Complaints (Inferred from Airport Characteristics):
Donoi Airport appears to be a practical and necessary regional facility for domestic travel in Mongolia, offering fundamental services. While direct traveler sentiment is scarce, its role as a key transport hub for the region is evident, albeit with the expected limitations of a smaller airport.
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Donoi Airport (also known as Uliastai Airport, ULZ) is a small, regional airport. Formal, metered taxi services are generally not available. Instead, local drivers with private cars or Russian-made vans (UAZ Furgon) typically meet arriving flights. It is essential to negotiate and agree on a fare with the driver before beginning your journey. Pre-arranging a pickup through your hotel or guesthouse is the most reliable method.
There are no major international or national car rental agencies located at Donoi Airport. Car hire in this remote region is typically arranged privately through local tour operators or guesthouses. These rentals almost always come with a local driver, as self-drive options are extremely rare and not recommended due to challenging road conditions and lack of infrastructure.
There are no scheduled public buses, shuttles, or other forms of public transit that directly serve Donoi Airport. The primary means of transport to the city of Uliastai is through the informal shared jeeps or private cars that meet flights. Travelers often share rides with other passengers heading into town.