Air Koryo, the national airline of North Korea, is preparing to relaunch its flight operations between Pyongyang and Vladivostok in Russia, marking the first resumption of flights since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. An official from Vladivostok airport confirmed that Air Koryo is set to operate four flights this month between the two cities, specifically on August 25 and August 28. The flights, designated as Air Koryo 271 and 272, are a significant step towards reestablishing travel links that were severed due to the pandemic.
These flights are scheduled to bridge the approximately 680 km (423 miles) gap between the cities, serving as a crucial connection in a region that also boasts rail links between the two locations. Notably, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had previously used his private train to travel to Vladivostok for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2019.
This renewed air travel initiative holds notable importance for North Korea, known for its strict border control measures, as it marks a return to connectivity following a period of self-imposed isolation during the pandemic. As Air Koryo takes flight once more, it symbolizes a step towards fostering interaction and communication between North Korea and Russia.