Russia began direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang on Sunday, highlighting closer ties between the two countries. The first flight, operated by Russian airline Nordwind, departed from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport with more than 400 passengers on board. Russia’s Transport Ministry announced that one flight per month will run to meet growing demand.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma beach resort. During his visit, he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Lavrov said he plans to encourage Russian tourists to visit the new resort, which is a key part of North Korea’s tourism push.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort can host nearly 20,000 people. It is central to Kim Jong Un’s plan to grow tourism and help North Korea’s struggling economy. North Korea has been slowly lifting COVID-19 restrictions and reopening its borders in steps. However, the country has not yet said if it will fully reopen for international tourists.
Before this new Moscow-Pyongyang route, regular flights operated between Russia’s Vladivostok and Pyongyang. These flights resumed in 2023 after a pause caused by the pandemic.
The new direct flight between Moscow and Pyongyang shows the strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea. It also points to increased travel and trade links as both nations seek to expand their cooperation.
