Boeing 777... Arrive in Just 8 Hours Without Transfers
Signs of Expanded Flights and Train Service to China
As direct flights connecting Russia and North Korea are set to begin in earnest, transportation convenience between the two countries is increasing.
On July 18 (local time), Russia's state-run TASS news agency reported that Nordwind Airlines will launch regular direct flights from Moscow to Pyongyang starting on July 27. The route will use Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, and the one-way flight time is reported to be about eight hours. The first return flight is scheduled for July 29.
Tickets are being sold starting at approximately 44,600 rubles (about 790,000 Korean won), and demand is expected to be limited. According to a Russian travel industry official, while the introduction of the direct flight has simplified the route, there is little practical change, as individual tourism is still not permitted and only group tours are allowed.
This route resumption became possible after Nordwind Airlines requested and received approval from Russian aviation authorities on July 9 to operate two regular flights per week. The Russian Ministry of Transport announced that the route will officially begin operations on July 27.
North Korea is also accelerating the resumption of air and rail routes with China. According to the Choson Tourism website, a regular flight between Pyongyang and Shanghai is scheduled to be launched, and plans for international train service connecting Beijing and Dandong have also been posted. Flights will depart Pyongyang every Thursday and Sunday, while return flights from Shanghai will operate on Mondays and Fridays.
As for international trains, service between Pyongyang and Moscow resumed last month, but trains to China are still suspended. However, since the timetable has been posted on the official website, it is interpreted that the Beijing and Dandong routes are also likely to resume soon.
North Korea and Russia suspended air and rail service after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
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