China’s national carrier has resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang after a six-year break, signalling a gradual reopening of North Korea following years of isolation.
The first flight departed Beijing Capital Airport on Monday morning and landed in Pyongyang a few hours later. The route had been suspended since 2020, when North Korea shut its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service is currently limited, with only travellers on official business, studies, or other approved purposes allowed to fly. A Boeing 737-700 aircraft is being used for the route, though passenger numbers remain low for now.
Chinese officials, including the country’s ambassador to North Korea, were present to receive passengers on arrival, highlighting the importance of the route to both countries.
China remains North Korea’s biggest economic partner and a key source of political support. The resumption of flights is expected to improve movement between the two nations, especially for business and diplomatic engagements.
Some travellers have expressed hope that tourism could eventually resume, as it was a major source of income for North Korea before the pandemic. Before border closures, hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists visited the country each year.
The move follows the recent return of train services between Beijing and Pyongyang, another sign that North Korea is slowly easing its strict border controls.
However, full reopening still appears to be gradual, with no clear timeline yet for when regular tourism or broader international travel will resume.
