Russia and North Korea have begun a new chapter in their deepening ties with the launch of direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang. The first flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, departed from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport carrying over 400 passengers. These monthly flights, announced by Russia’s Transport Ministry, symbolise the growing strategic and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
This development comes amid strengthened military and political engagement. North Korea is reportedly planning to send military construction workers and deminers to Russia, further intensifying the alliance. Earlier in July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort and pledged to promote Russian tourism to the facility. The resort, capable of hosting 20,000 guests, is part of Kim Jong Un’s effort to boost the North Korean economy through tourism.
While North Korea continues to lift pandemic-era restrictions, it has yet to fully reopen international tourism. However, regular flights between Vladivostok and Pyongyang resumed in 2023, and this latest Moscow route reflects a broader pattern of reconnection.
The launch of this route also highlights North Korea’s firm backing of Russia’s stance on Ukraine, with Kim Jong Un declaring “unconditional support” for Moscow’s military actions.
