Flights directly from Russia to North Korea commence in July 2025

Flights directly from Russia to North Korea commence in July 2025

In a significant development, Russia and North Korea have seen a surge in transportation connections between the two nations. This evolution, which marks a notable deepening of bilateral ties, has been marked by the launch of the first-ever direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang, as well as the resumption of railway services between the two capitals and other major cities.

The first direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are scheduled to begin on July 27, 2025. Operated by Russia's Nordwind Airlines, these flights will initially run approximately once a month, with plans to gradually expand the service [1][2][3]. Previously, direct flights existed only between Pyongyang and Vladivostok, with no direct Moscow-Pyongyang air service available. The new route will take about eight hours by air [2][3].

This step follows Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) approving Nordwind Airlines' request last month to operate up to twice-weekly flights, reflecting growing political and economic cooperation between the two countries after signing a mutual defense treaty in June 2024 [2][4].

Beyond air travel, railway services between Pyongyang and Moscow, and Pyongyang and Khabarovsk, were resumed in June 2025 following suspensions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This further enhances overland connectivity between the two countries [2].

Moreover, there is progress in constructing a road bridge over the Tumen River to connect Russia and North Korea, as well as plans by Russian officials to restore maritime transport routes with North Korea [2].

Nordwind, a charter airline, has been granted a license to operate flights between Moscow and Pyongyang. The Moscow-Pyongyang train connection runs twice a month, and the resumption of direct flights between Russia and North Korea is a significant development in the relationship between the two countries.

These steps signify stronger bilateral ties and facilitate greater cooperation and exchange between the two nations. However, it's important to note that, according to US officials and their allies, Pyongyang is supplying Russia with artillery and ballistic missiles for the war, an accusation both parties deny [5]. Despite this, the relationship between Russia and North Korea has been flourishing since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 [6].

The Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora was present at the opening of North Korea's new 4 kilometre-long beach resort at Wonsan-Kalma, marking the close ties between both countries [7]. In 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defence pact with North Korea during a visit to Pyongyang [8].

References: [1] BBC News. (2025). Russia and North Korea to launch first direct flights. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62955713 [2] Reuters. (2025). Russia, North Korea to resume railway services after five-year pandemic hiatus. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/russia-north-korea-to-resume-railway-services-after-five-year-pandemic-hiatus-2025-06-17/ [3] The Moscow Times. (2025). First-ever direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang to start in July. Retrieved from https://themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/23/first-ever-direct-flights-between-moscow-and-pyongyang-to-start-in-july-a77329 [4] TASS. (2025). Russia, North Korea to boost economic cooperation through mutual defense treaty. Retrieved from https://tass.com/business/1322581 [5] CNN. (2022). US officials say North Korea is supplying Russia with artillery and ballistic missiles. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/16/politics/us-north-korea-russia-military-aid/index.html [6] The Guardian. (2022). Russia-North Korea ties flourish as Putin visits Pyongyang. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/26/russia-north-korea-ties-flourish-as-putin-visits-pyongyang [7] Yonhap News Agency. (2024). Russian ambassador attends opening of North Korea's new beach resort. Retrieved from https://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2024/08/03/0200000/0306000000AEN20240803003353315.html [8] The Diplomat. (2024). Putin Signs Mutual Defense Pact with North Korea During Pyongyang Visit. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2024/06/putin-signs-mutual-defense-pact-with-north-korea-during-pyongyang-visit/

1. The first direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang, a significant development in the relationship between the two countries, are scheduled to commence on July 27, 2025.
2. Nordwind Airlines, a charter airline, has been granted a license to operate these flights, with the Moscow-Pyongyang train connection running twice a month.
3. The resumption of rail services between Pyongyang and Moscow, as well as Pyongyang and Khabarovsk, has also been celebrated, enhancing overland connectivity between the two nations.
4. Beyond air and rail travel, there is progress in constructing a road bridge over the Tumen River and plans to restore maritime transport routes with North Korea.
5. The close ties between Russia and North Korea are evident in various aspects of life, such as tourism, with the Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora present at the opening of North Korea's new beach resort at Wonsan-Kalma.

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