Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor has instructed relevant officials to accelerate construction of a new air navigation centre in Sainshand, Dornogobi aimag, following a visit to the project site, Montsame reported.
The project, launched in July 2026, aims to establish Mongolia’s second regional air traffic control centre, a strategically important investment for the country’s civil aviation sector. The new facility is expected to strengthen aviation safety, ensure operational continuity and bring Mongolia’s air navigation infrastructure in line with international standards.
The centre will be developed on a 10-hectare site and will include not only the main control facility but also residential accommodation for employees, a kindergarten, a sports complex and landscaped green spaces. Once operational, the project is expected to create more than 200 permanent jobs in the Gobi region.
Air traffic controllers will receive professional training in stages, including at leading international institutions such as France’s National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC).
Mongolia currently operates a single regional air traffic control centre in Ulaanbaatar, which manages the country's airspace through six sectors: Altai, Murun, Central, Eastern, Gobi and Bayan. However, growing air traffic, an increasing number of sectors and the need for additional personnel have placed additional pressure on the existing facility.
Officials noted that a disruption to air traffic control operations lasting just one day could result in potential losses of up to USD 250,000. The establishment of two regional air traffic control centres is expected to improve operational resilience, enhance flight safety and help Mongolia meet the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It is also anticipated to strengthen international confidence in the safety and reliability of Mongolia's aviation services.
Beyond aviation, the project is expected to support the development of tourism, mining and service industries, while stimulating economic growth across the region.
The new Sainshand Air Navigation Centre is scheduled to become operational in 2027.
