Revival of Moscow-Pyongyang Flights: A Historic Leap After 30 Years
Russian airline Nordwind Airlines marked a significant milestone on July 27, 2025, by launching the first commercial flight between Moscow and North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, in nearly three decades. The Boeing 777-200ER, carrying over 400 passengers, took off from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two heavily sanctioned nations.
The new air service, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry, will operate once monthly to meet demand. This route revival is a follow-up to President Vladimir Putin’s rare visit to Pyongyang last year, during which the countries signed a strategic partnership treaty, including a mutual defense clause.
As part of the efforts to boost tourism for economic recovery, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pledged to encourage Russian tourists to visit North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort. This resort can accommodate nearly 20,000 people and is a significant part of Kim Jong Un’s tourism initiative. Complementing this is the recently reinstated Moscow-Pyongyang passenger rail line, spanning 10,000 kilometers and taking about 10 days.
This development is a reflection of the increasingly close military and strategic cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Particularly noteworthy is Pyongyang’s support for Russia’s military action in Ukraine, supplying weapons and troops. The first return flight from Pyongyang to Moscow was scheduled for July 29, 2025.
Source: The Moscow Times