Air China Resumes Direct Flights Between Beijing and Pyongyang: A Step Towards Increased Connectivity
Air China is set to resume direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang after a six-year break, indicating a gradual opening up of North Korea. China has been a crucial supporter of North Korea's economy and has played a significant role in providing diplomatic support. Travel between the two countries has been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the resumption of flights is a positive development.
The flight, CA121, is scheduled to depart from Beijing Capital Airport and arrive at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport. Economy class tickets are priced at around US$200, and the return flight from Pyongyang is also available. However, tourist visas are still not being issued by Pyongyang, limiting travel to those with official or special purposes.
Daily passenger train services between China and North Korea have also resumed recently, with China fully reopening its borders post-pandemic. North Korea has been slower in reopening its borders but has resumed flights and train services with Russia. Air Koryo, North Korea's state carrier, restarted flights between Beijing and Pyongyang in 2023, further enhancing connectivity.
Young Pioneer Tours, a travel company specializing in North Korea, sees the resumption of Air China flights as a positive step for tourism. While additional flight services may be added in the future, there is still uncertainty regarding the entry of Western tourists. The reopening of the Beijing-Pyongyang route is a promising development for increased accessibility and connectivity between the two countries.