Russia Launches Direct Commercial Flights to North Korea Amid Growing Military Alliance
Russia has officially launched direct commercial flights to North Korea, signaling a new chapter in the deepening relationship between the two nations as Moscow continues its military campaign in Ukraine.
The inaugural flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, departed Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport at 16:25 GMT on Sunday, July 27, bound for Pyongyang, the North Korean capital. The journey is expected to take approximately eight hours.
According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, the route will initially operate once a month, with ticket prices set at 45,000 rubles (around $570 USD). Nordwind Airlines, which previously catered to Russian holidaymakers traveling to Europe, pivoted operations after EU airspace was closed to Russian carriers following sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
“This is a historic moment that strengthens ties between our nations,” said Oleg, a Nordwind employee involved in managing the flight. He declined to provide his full name or disclose the number of passengers onboard.
Vladimir Poteshkin, Russia’s Deputy Transport Minister, emphasized the importance of the development, noting that this marks the first time in over 70 years of diplomatic relations that direct air travel between Moscow and Pyongyang has been established.
According to state-run news agency TASS, the return flight from Pyongyang to Moscow is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29. The move comes just weeks after the two countries resumed railway services on June 17, following a suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The renewed transportation links come amid increasing military collaboration between the two countries. North Korea has reportedly supplied troops and weapons in support of Russia’s operations in Ukraine. Last year, both nations signed a mutual defense pact during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang.
In April, North Korea officially confirmed the deployment of a military contingent to fight alongside Russian forces on the Ukrainian front lines—marking a significant escalation in their strategic partnership.
