Air China restarts Beijing-Pyongyang flights, a key step in North Korea’s cautious reopening to the world after pandemic border closures.
BEIJING: Air China resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday after a six-year hiatus. This move marks another step in isolated North Korea’s gradual reopening, following the recent resumption of passenger train services between the capitals.
Flight CA121 departed Beijing Capital Airport at 7:58am local time. It is scheduled to arrive at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport at 11:00am, according to the airline’s website.
Travellers at the airport formed long queues to check in their luggage. Pyongyang’s continued reluctance to issue tourist visas means only travellers with official or special purposes can currently make the journey.
Business traveller Zhao Bin expressed optimism that tourism would resume for Chinese visitors. “I expect both railway routes and Air China flights will increase, and there will be more exchanges and travel between people,” he told reporters.
Economy class tickets were available for around US$200 (RM793.25). A return flight from Pyongyang is scheduled for midday.
China has acted as a lifeline for North Korea’s economy as its largest trading partner. Travel between the neighbours has been heavily restricted since 2020 due to pandemic border closures.
Daily passenger train services with China resumed earlier this month. However, a mostly empty daily passenger train was seen travelling into North Korea from the border town of Dandong last week.
North Korea resumed direct flights and train services with Russia last year. State carrier Air Koryo restarted flights between Beijing and Pyongyang in 2023.
Tour operator Young Pioneer Tours said Air China resuming its route opens Pyongyang up to more accessible connections. “Previously, Air China also operated flights on Wednesdays and Fridays, so there is a possibility that additional services could be added again in the near future,” tour manager Rowan Beard said.
He added that while the flight announcement was promising for tourism, there was still no confirmation regarding Western tourists being allowed entry.
