Khujirt Airport (HJT)

Khujirt Airport (HJT) is a remote aviation facility located in the Khujirt sum (district) of the Övörkhangai Province in central Mongolia. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet above sea level, the airport was originally designed to serve the historic Orkhon Valley and the nearby town of Khujirt, which is famous for its natural mineral springs and sanatorium resorts. Although it was once a hub for regional domestic travel, the airport currently sees very limited activity, with no regularly scheduled commercial flights operating since 2013. Its role remains primarily as an emergency landing strip and a potential gateway for private charters visiting the region's diverse cultural and geological sites. The airport operates from a basic, single-story terminal building that is currently unattended for commercial operations. The layout is extremely simple, reflecting its status as a rural outpost in the heart of the Mongolian steppe. It features a single 2,200-meter grass runway, which is capable of accommodating light turboprop aircraft during favorable weather conditions. There are no formal check-in counters, digital information displays, or security checkpoints in active use. The terminal serves as a sheltered gathering point for the local community and occasional specialized charter missions, providing a glimpse into the regional aviation history of the Övörkhangai province. Facilities at Khujirt Airport are minimal, and travelers arriving via private charter must be completely self-sufficient. There are no on-site retail shops, public restaurants, or passenger lounges available at the terminal. The nearest comprehensive services, including lodging and dining, are located in the town of Khujirt, which is a short drive from the airfield. Despite the lack of modern infrastructure, the airport offers an authentic entry point to the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the ancient capital of Karakorum and the Erdene Zuu Monastery. The facility's primary value today is its proximity to these world-class historical landmarks and the therapeutic mineral waters of the region.