Russia launched its first direct passenger flight from Moscow to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, on Sunday.
This move signals the strengthening ties between the two former communist bloc allies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to Russian authorities, this is the first direct flight between the two capitals since the mid-1990s .
The inaugural flight operated by Nordwind Airlines departed from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport at 7 p.m. local time using a Boeing 777-200ER with a capacity for 440 passengers .
According to Russia’s RIA state news agency, tickets started at 44,700 rubles ($563) and the first flight quickly sold out.
Russia’s Transport Ministry announced that flights would initially operate once a month “to help build stable demand” .
Previously, the only direct air connection between the two countries consisted of North Korean carrier Air Koryo’s flights to Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East three times weekly.
Ukraine and its Western allies have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery and ballistic missiles, claims that both Moscow and Pyongyang deny.
Reports suggest that North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops and arms to support Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort and promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex .
