Russia, North Korea to launch first-ever direct flights between capitals

Russia's Transport Ministry announced Monday that direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang will begin on July 27, marking the first-ever air connection between the Russian and North Korean capitals.

Nordwind Airlines will operate one flight every month, and the time in route will be approximately eight hours. The decision follows Rosaviatsiya's recent approval for regular air travel between the two countries.

“This is the first time the capitals of Russia and the DPRK will be linked by direct flights,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the service aims to gradually build stable demand.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow and Pyongyang are working to expand air connections, following the resumption of railway services in June.