Direct flights between Russia and North Korea are now available for booking
In a significant move, direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang have resumed this July, marking the first such service since the 1990s. Operated by Russian carrier Nordwind Airlines, these monthly flights symbolize increased political, military, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The resurgence of this air route comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has been engaged in a war of aggression since February 2022. This development follows a comprehensive partnership treaty signed between Russia and North Korea in June 2024, reinforcing their collaboration. North Korea has reportedly sent troops to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, signaling a growing alignment against Western influence.
The new air route facilitates easier movement for North Koreans and Russians between the capitals, promoting tourism, trade, and diplomacy. It effectively circumvents Western sanctions affecting Russia’s international travels.
At a time when Russia faces extensive international isolation due to its invasion of Ukraine, enhancing connectivity with North Korea—one of the few notable diplomatic allies—demonstrates Moscow’s pivot toward unconventional partnerships. This move can be seen as a symbol of defiance, underscoring Russia and North Korea’s mutual support and strategic alignment amidst the broader global conflict involving Ukraine.
Nordwind Airlines is using Boeing 777-200ER aircraft for these flights, which have a seating capacity of around 400 passengers. Tickets for the flight, priced at 44,700 rubles ($563, €479), sold quickly, showing early strong demand for this route. The service started as once-monthly flights with potential for increased frequency.
The Moscow-Pyongyang flights are not just a transportation development but a geopolitical gesture. They underscore Russia and North Korea’s mutual support and strategic alignment amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As the world watches the evolving situation, these flights represent a significant step in the deepening relationship between these two nations.
[1] The Moscow Times [2] BBC News [3] The Guardian [4] Reuters
- The re-establishment of direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang, a move that has not been seen since the 1990s, has been reported extensively by global media outlets, with The Moscow Times, BBC News, The Guardian, and Reuters all covering the story.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, this development in world news highlights the growing economic, political, and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, as evidenced by the resumption of direct flights.
- The new air route, operated by Nordwind Airlines, is not just a transportation development but a geopolitical gesture, symbolizing the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- As Russia faces international isolation due to its invasion of Ukraine, the resurgence of direct flights to Pyongyang can be seen as a strategic move by Moscow to strengthen ties with North Korea, a notable diplomatic ally, in the face of global opposition.
