The skies above Ulaanbaatar are often criss-crossed with the vapour trails of numerous passenger aircraft.   Over the past years, the  amount of air traffic using Mongolian airspace has been growing steadily. In 2017, the number of overflights increased 11.6% compared with 2016. This, naturally, raises concerns over safety.

A new traffic control centre will make a significant difference to the safety and efficiency of flights when it is commissioned in 2020. In the meantime, however, the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) to reduce separation between aircraft in non-radar airspace will bring huge benefits. ADS-B will improve flight safety and reduce the hardware-related delay in surveillance control services.

About 97% of aircraft flying through Mongolian airspace are already equipped with the appropriate equipment. By 2021, Mongolia requires all aircraft operating in its upper airspace to have ADS-B equipment.