A remarkable aviation event recently took place, marking an important milestone in the relationship between Russia and North Korea. A Nordwind Airlines Boeing 777-200ER, carrying 440 passengers, completed a round trip between Moscow and Pyongyang, officially resuming direct flights between the two capitals after nearly three decades of interruption.
According to TASS, this historic flight is not just a simple transport route but also has a deep symbolic meaning. It ends a long period without direct commercial flights between the two capitals, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. Nordwind has also announced plans to maintain this route with a frequency of one flight per month, showing the sustainability of this initiative.
Recently, the first commercial flight in nearly 30 years from the capital Pyongyang, North Korea, landed safely at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia.
The South Korean news agency Yonhap noted that the majority of passengers on the flight were North Koreans, along with a number of Russians, including diplomats. This shows a significant demand for travel on both sides, reflecting the increase in exchange activities.
According to TASS News Agency, a Boeing 777-200ER of Nordwind Airlines, carrying 440 passengers, completed a round trip between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking the resumption of direct flights between the two capitals after a three-decade hiatus.
Matvey Krivosheev, a diplomat from the Russian Embassy in North Korea, who recently returned to Moscow, told TASS about the significance of the event. He stressed that this is the first direct flight in nearly 30 years and expressed optimism about the future. "This route will definitely attract high demand, not only from Russian tourists but also from North Korean citizens," he said, showing the potential for development in terms of tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Nordwind said it plans to operate this route with a frequency of one flight per month.
The resumption of the flight route is seen as the result of considerable efforts from both sides, as Mr. Krivosheev commented. This is a clear sign of the common desire to promote and deepen the growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency (South Korea), most of the passengers on this flight were North Korean citizens, along with some Russians, including diplomats.
Previously, commercial flights between the two countries were interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were only resumed in August 2023. Currently, in addition to this new route, North Korea's Air Koryo is also operating a route connecting Pyongyang with the city of Vladivostok in Russia's Far East, with a frequency of 3 flights per week.
Restoring the flight route is the result of significant efforts from both sides, he said, expressing hope that the move will contribute to further promoting the growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
The return of direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang not only shortens the geographical distance but also opens up new opportunities for economic, cultural and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries in a context where the world is witnessing many major changes.
