Russia launched its first direct commercial flight from Moscow to Pyongyang on Sunday, July 27, marking a significant step in deepening ties with North Korea. Operated by Nordwind Airlines, the Boeing 777-200ER, carrying over 400 passengers, departed Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 7:30 p.m. and landed in Pyongyang after an eight-hour journey. The return flight was scheduled for July 29.

Russia’s Transport Ministry confirmed the route will operate monthly to build demand, though Nordwind received approval from Rosaviatsiya for up to two weekly flights. Tickets were priced at approximately 45,000 rubles ($570), with the inaugural flight reportedly sold out. Russian Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov, leading a delegation, was warmly welcomed with flowers by North Korean officials.

The flights align with North Korea’s push to boost tourism, particularly at the Wonsan-Kalma beach resort, which can host nearly 20,000 visitors. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, after visiting the resort, pledged to promote it to Russian tourists to aid North Korea’s struggling economy. North Korea has been gradually easing pandemic-era border restrictions, though full resumption of international tourism remains uncertain.

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Regular flights between Vladivostok and Pyongyang, operated by Air Koryo, resumed in 2023, and a Moscow-Pyongyang rail link reopened in June. The new air route reflects growing military and economic cooperation, with North Korea supplying weapons and troops to support Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

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