Russia starts first Moscow-Pyongyang passenger flights in decades
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The Transport Ministry said in a statement that the flights would operate once a month.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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Russia launched direct passenger flights from Moscow to North Korea’s capital Pyongyang on July 27, as the two former communist bloc allies move to improve ties following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The start of regular flights between the capitals for the first time since the mid-1990s, according to Russian aviation blogs, follows the resumption of Moscow-Pyongyang passenger rail service, a 10-day journey, in June.
The first Moscow-Pyongyang flight, operated by Russia’s Nordwind Airlines, took off at 1625 GMT, according to the Sheremetyevo airport’s website.
The eight-hour flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-200ER with a capacity of 440 passengers, Russia’s RIA state news agency said on July 27. It said tickets started at 44,700 roubles (S$720), and the first flight quickly sold out.
Russia’s civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia has granted Nordwind Airlines permission to operate flights between Moscow and Pyongyang twice a week. The Transport Ministry said in a statement that for now, flights would operate once a month, “to help build stable demand”.
The only direct air route between Russia and North Korea has been flights by North Korean carrier Air Koryo to Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East three times a week.
Ukraine and its Western allies have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery and ballistic missiles. Moscow and Pyongyang deny the allegations.
Pyongyang has deployed more than 10,000 troops
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in July that his country was ready to “unconditionally support” Moscow’s efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. REUTERS, AFP
