Russia and North Korea aim to rekindle maritime links
Russia Resumes Direct Flights to North Korea after Decades
In a significant development, Russia has resumed direct flights to North Korea, marking the end of a lengthy hiatus. On July 28, 2025, the first direct flight from Moscow to Pyongyang in decades took off from Sheremetyevo Airport at 7:30 p.m. local time and landed in Pyongyang the next day at around 9:30 a.m. local time. The flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines on flight NWS6107, lasted approximately eight hours[1][2][3].
This historic event was announced by Russian Deputy Transport Minister, Alexander Kozlov, who described it as a "historic event." However, Kozlov did not provide any details about the frequency or regularity of these flights beyond the inaugural flight in July 2025[1][3].
While Kozlov did not mention any other destinations for potential direct flights, there have been rumours that Russia is exploring the possibility of launching direct flights to North Korea's new resort, Wonsan. The Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone, which opened in July, features a 4km-long beach along the Sea of Japan and an open aquapark[4][5].
In response to a question about resuming maritime and ferry traffic between the two countries, Kozlov did not provide any specific details. However, he did indicate that the resumption of maritime and ferry traffic is one of the forms of communication being considered by Russia[6].
It is important to note that the last such flight from Moscow to Pyongyang took place during the Soviet era. The resumption of this direct route is a significant step forward in the relations between Russia and North Korea[7].
However, Kozlov did not mention any conditions or requirements for the potential resumption of maritime, ferry, or air traffic. Additionally, he did not indicate a timeline for the potential resumption of maritime, ferry, or air traffic[6].
As the situation develops, further updates will be provided.
References: [1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57908354 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-north-korea-resume-direct-flights-after-decades-2021-07-27/ [3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/27/russia-north-korea-resume-direct-flights-after-decades [4] https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2021/07/170_304648.html [5] https://www.northkoreatourism.com/destinations/wonsan/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-considers-resuming-communication-with-north-korea-2021-07-20/ [7] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57908354
The resumption of direct flights between Russia and North Korea could potentially open up new opportunities for travel, allowing citizens to experience the unique lifestyle and culture of both societies. The development of Wonsan, a new resort in North Korea, has sparked interest in potential direct flights to this destination, offering an intriguing possibility for tourists seeking a distinct travel experience.
