Edith Hejberg
Russia has officially opened a direct air route between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking a milestone in their strengthening relationship.
The first flight directly from Moscow to Pyongyang has landed in Pyongyang.
Moscow–Pyongyang Flights Take Off
Russia has officially opened a direct air route between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking a milestone in their strengthening relationship.
Nordwind Airlines operated the inaugural Boeing 777‑200ER flight from Sheremetyevo International Airport on July 27, carrying over 400 passengers to North Korea.
Limited but Symbolic Monthly Service
For now, the new link will operate once a month, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry. While the frequency is low, the service restores a long‑absent connection between the two capitals and signals an intent to expand travel and cooperation.
Lavrov Promotes North Korean Tourism
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited North Korea’s newly built Wonsan‑Kalma beach resort earlier in July.
The luxury complex can host up to 20,000 guests and is central to Kim Jong Un’s plan to use tourism to boost the country’s fragile economy. Lavrov has vowed to encourage Russian visitors to explore the site.
North Korea Slowly Reopens Borders
After years of pandemic‑era isolation, North Korea has cautiously reopened in stages. While limited flights and trade have resumed, the government has yet to confirm when it will fully reopen to international tourists.
The Moscow route adds to flights from Russia’s Vladivostok, which restarted in 2023.
Political and Military Ties Deepen
Beyond tourism, the new flight reflects the deepening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. In recent years, North Korea has supplied Russia with weapons and even troops to support its military campaign in Ukraine.
Regular air travel adds a new layer to this growing partnership.
A Sign of Shifting Alliances in Asia
The Moscow–Pyongyang air link highlights changing dynamics in Northeast Asia, where both countries face heavy Western sanctions.
By increasing travel, trade, and tourism ties, Russia and North Korea are signaling a shared determination to rely on each other rather than the global system dominated by the West.
