Russia Considering Direct Passenger Flight Route to Wonsan, North Korea

On July 27 (local time), Russia announced that it is considering establishing a direct passenger flight route to Wonsan, North Korea.

According to RIA Novosti, Russian Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov met with reporters in Moscow on this day and, in response to a question about the direct flight to Wonsan, stated, "We are reviewing this matter and it is progressing well."

Russian airline Nordwind passenger plane. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Previously, in May, the Russian daily Izvestia reported, citing Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, that Russia was considering establishing a direct flight route connecting Vladivostok in the Russian Far East and the Wonsan-Kalma district in North Korea.

Starting from this day, a direct passenger flight between the Russian capital Moscow and Pyongyang, North Korea, will begin operations. Minister Kozlov explained that this route is scheduled to operate once a month, and the frequency of flights will be determined after analyzing traffic volume in the future.

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency approved the direct Moscow-Pyongyang route requested by the Russian airline Nordwind earlier this month. Previously, there were only flights operating between Vladivostok in Primorsky Krai, Russia, and Pyongyang.

In response to a question regarding the restoration of maritime transportation between Russia and North Korea, Minister Kozlov replied that all forms of communication are being considered.

Since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty last year, Russia and North Korea have also been strengthening cooperation in the transportation sector.