MOSCOW/PYONGYANG — July 27-28, 2025
Russia recently resumed regular commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang for the first time since the mid-1990s, signalling an expansion in strategic cooperation between both nations. Nordwind Airlines operated this inaugural flight, leaving Sheremetyevo International Airport around 7 pm local time on July 27 and arriving early morning the next day after a roughly eight-hour journey (Civil Aviation Authority/Reuters/AP News/Agence France Presse +11 for details).
Tickets began at about 44,700 rubles ($563) per ticket on this inaugural flight using a Boeing 777-200ER with seating for about 440 people; ticket sales sold out instantly, leading to future plans of once-monthly service commencing (though authorities have granted permission for twice weekly service if demand grows), according to reports by KYODO NEWS of Japan Wire by Reuters and KYODO NEWS respectively (Reuters/Kyodo Newswire by KYODO NEWS/Reuters +11).
Strategic and Diplomatic Significance The Moscow-Pyongyang air link marks a symbolic milestone amid deepening military, political, and economic ties forged over recent years. For the first time since 2022, Nordwind’s initiative reconnects two capitals that have seen their bilateral relationship rapidly expand since 2022. Nordwind also resumed rail connections before signing a formal bilateral defense and strategic partnership on June 18th 2024 which took effect in December. NK News – North Korea News by Wikipedia plus 9 and AP News +9 and North Korean News by Nordwind followed shortly afterwards by rail links resumed since 2024 as well as resumed rail connections signed earlier that same month with both nations signatory sides signing formal defense and strategic agreements on June 18th 2024 took effect from December of that same year and took effect December 18th 2024, both being announced prior to being signed (NK News-NorthK News +9 for Nordwinds initiative +9) by Nordwind +9, as reported on by Nordwind itself +9 Wikipedia +9 and AP News +9 both plus 9
This new route aligns with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s public declaration of unconditional support for Moscow’s military efforts in Ukraine – a relationship highlighted in foreign visits by Russian officials such as Sergey Lavrov encouraging greater Russian tourism to North Korea’s newly developed Wonsan-Kalma beach resort, designed to boost Pyongyang’s tourism economy (AP News/Reuters +1).
Analysts expect the monthly flight to help facilitate both official diplomatic travel and civilian tourism, with foreign passport holders still facing restrictions. Many onboard were reported to be North Korean officials or citizens reopening following pandemic-era closures; it could also help foster trade and tourism cooperation through alternative routes as Western sanctions limit air travel between Europe or North America and Russia;Teatrul The Times of India +8 AP News +8
Euromaidan Press offers +8.
Nordwind Airlines once offered popular routes into Europe and Asia; following Western aviation restrictions since 2022, Moscow-Pyongyang corridor offers Nordwind an unusual new market to tap. Russian aviation authorities approved necessary approvals earlier this month allowing Nordwind to establish this route as part of their international network expansion amid geopolitically constrained airspace access. The Times of India offers additional insight here.
Broader Geopolitical Context The launch of Russia-North Korea defense relations comes amid intense scrutiny of their relationship, including allegations from Western and Ukrainian sources that Pyongyang has provided arms, ammunition, or even personnel to assist Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea deny these allegations while U.S. intelligence reports suggest otherwise; nevertheless the launch of an air service highlights tangible integration in logistics and cooperation already visible through arms deliveries or mutual support treaties – something already visible with arms deliveries or mutual support agreements on a grand scale FT.com.
Next Steps and Outlook
Initial service will remain limited while authorities assess demand; however, officials have expressed an intention to expand frequency if passenger numbers justify an increase in frequency. If geopolitical tensions do not push both nations further into international isolation. The air corridor could lay the foundation for expanded bilateral engagement across cultural, scientific, and economic dimensions – provided it does not further isolate either nation.
At its heart, the Moscow-Pyongyang air bridge represents more than just a flight route–it encapsulates an evolving relationship that now progresses as part of shifting global power dynamics.