Russia has launched direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking a significant step in strengthening ties with North Korea. The inaugural flight, operated by Russian carrier Nordwind, departed Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport carrying over 400 passengers. According to Russia’s Transport Ministry, there will be one flight a month to meet demand. The flight duration is expected to be around eight hours.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who recently visited North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex. The resort, which can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is central to Kim’s efforts to boost tourism and improve North Korea’s economy. “For the first time in more than 70 years of diplomatic relations, we are launching direct flights between the capitals of our countries,” Russia’s Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin said.
The launch of direct flights reflects the increasingly close ties between Russia and North Korea. Regular flights between Russia’s eastern port city of Vladivostok and Pyongyang reopened in 2023 following a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The two countries have expanded military and other ties in recent years, with Pyongyang supplying weapons and troops to support Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
The tickets for the inaugural flight were priced at 45,000 rubles, approximately $570. This new air link is expected to enhance tourism and economic cooperation between the two nations. As North Korea slowly eases pandemic-imposed curbs and reopens its borders in phases, the country has not yet announced a full resumption of international tourism.