First Direct Flight from North Korea to Russia Lands in Moscow

A significant step in improving relations between North Korea and Russia has taken place, as the first direct flight from Pyongyang to Moscow in decades has successfully landed. This event signifies a notable development amid the deepening diplomatic and military ties between the two countries, which have been growing closer over recent years.

A passenger flight from Pyongyang has landed at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, marking the first direct connection between the North Korean capital and Moscow in several decades amid strengthening bilateral ties.

Operated by Russia’s Nordwind Airlines, a Boeing 777 completed its inaugural round trip, having flown from Moscow to Pyongyang on Sunday and returning on Tuesday morning at 0750 GMT.

The aircraft, which accommodates 440 passengers, was reportedly ‘completely full’, with most travellers being North Korean, according to Russia’s RIA news agency.

Russian diplomat Matvei Krivosheyev, also onboard, remarked that it was the first such flight in nearly thirty years. “We are confident this route will be popular with both Russian tourists and our Korean friends,” he said.

In recent years, Russia and North Korea have grown closer, with Pyongyang supplying troops and weaponry for Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.

Last year, the two nations signed a mutual defence agreement during a visit by Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang, and North Korea confirmed in April that it had deployed soldiers to support Russian forces on the Ukrainian front.