Russia has begun a regular commercial air link between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking a step in the growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
The first flight, operated by Russian carrier Nordwind, departed from Sheremetyevo airport carrying more than 400 passengers, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry. Officials said one flight per month will operate to meet demand.
The new connection comes as Russia and North Korea deepen their political, military, and economic ties. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma beach resort in July and met with leader Kim Jong Un, pledging to encourage Russian tourists to visit the site. The resort can host about 20,000 visitors and is central to Kim’s effort to boost tourism and support the country’s struggling economy.
North Korea has gradually eased border restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening to foreign visitors in phases. The country has not announced when it will fully resume international tourism.
Flights between Russia’s eastern city of Vladivostok and Pyongyang resumed in 2023 after being suspended during the pandemic. The new Moscow route expands direct air links between the two nations.
