On the morning of 30/3, a flight operated by China's national airline, Air China, landed at Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang, resuming direct flights between the two capitals after six years. This event occurred just weeks after passenger train services between Beijing and Pyongyang were restored on 12/3.

The Air China flight, using a Boeing 737 aircraft, departed from Beijing Capital International Airport at 8h and landed in Pyongyang at 10h40 (local time). The aircraft then completed its return journey to China around 12h the same day. Currently, Air China plans to maintain one flight per week, every monday.

The flight information board for flight CA121 to Pyongyang reappeared at Beijing Airport on the morning of 30/3. *Photo: SCMP*

At Sunan Airport, China's Ambassador to North Korea, Vuong A Quan, along with other diplomats, welcomed the first passengers. Ambassador Vuong stated that the resumption of flights is a "milestone event" in aviation cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized, "the event is a bridge to foster people-to-people exchanges, creating new momentum for tourism, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange."

Since early 2020, amidst the complexities of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea implemented the world's strictest "border closure" policy. All commercial flights and passenger train services were completely suspended to prevent virus entry.

While North Korea's national airline, Air Koryo, began operating some flights to Beijing in 2023, Air China's return is seen as a signal of full recovery. A passenger representative on the inaugural flight shared with the media that it was a "perfect flight experience" and expressed confidence that travel would become more convenient.

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists accounted for up to 90% of all international visitors to North Korea. The delay in resuming tourism from this populous nation had surprised observers, as it was an important source of foreign currency for Pyongyang.

North Korea is gradually easing its restrictions. Early 2024 saw a group of Russian tourists permitted entry, marking the first foreign visitors to the country. Experts anticipate a wave of Chinese tourists and businesspeople will soon return as both nations restore rail and air connections.

The restoration of direct flights is not merely a transportation matter; it is a strategic step towards post-pandemic economic recovery and strengthening connectivity in Northeast Asia.

By Mai Phuong, SCMP, AP