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Russia Reopens Direct Passenger Flights Between Moscow and Pyongyang

Russian authorities will initially schedule the Nordwind Airlines service once a month after tickets for the inaugural flight sold out.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a welcoming ceremony upon Putin's arrival at Pyongyang Airport, early on June 19, 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in North Korea early on June 19, the Kremlin said, kicking off a visit set to boost defence ties between the two nuclear-armed countries as Moscow pursues its war in Ukraine. (Photo by Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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People wait outside Terminal C at the Sheremetyevo international airport outside Moscow, Russia July 21, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
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Overview

  • The inaugural Nordwind Airlines Boeing 777-200ER departed Sheremetyevo on July 27 at 7 p.m., resuming direct passenger service between Moscow and Pyongyang for the first time since the mid-1990s.
  • Eight-hour flight tickets started at 44,700 roubles and sold out rapidly, highlighting strong initial demand.
  • Rosaviatsia approved twice-weekly operations but the transport ministry will limit the service to one monthly flight to build stable demand.
  • The route follows the June relaunch of a 10-day Moscow–Pyongyang rail service and comes as North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops and munitions to support Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pledged to promote visits to North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort to boost tourism and economic ties.