by source “Kommenrsanta”Rosaviatsia invited Russian air carriers to start flights to Pyongyang. The regulator’s representatives are currently discussing with their counterparts in North Korea the possibility of expanding air traffic between the two countries.
According to Kommersant, the offer has already been received by Aeroflot and Aurora, with Aurora also confirming that it is “theoretically ready”. Currently, the only way to reach Pyongyang without a private flight is to use Air Koryo planes from Vladivostok. Tour operators have not yet received requests to operate tours to North Korea and do not expect a significant increase in demand. Experts believe that the main flow of passengers will consist of business trips and business trips, but they expect that lovers of exotic travel will also show interest.
According to a Kommersant source, a delegation from the Federal Air Transport Agency visited North Korea last week to discuss with the North Korean Civil Aviation Administration the issue of organizing flights of Russian air carriers to Pyongyang. According to Kommersant, Aeroflot and Aurora received a proposal to evaluate their readiness for this type of transportation. Sources say this may be related to increasing the number of regular flights and adjusting air service agreements.
Aeroflot was the designated carrier in the first air services agreement between the USSR and North Korea. The agreement, in force since 1997, states that each party has the right to designate any airline by giving prior notice to the other party. If requested in advance, “additional, special and charter flights” can be carried out without restrictions. There is air service between Moscow, Vladivostok and Pyongyang.
According to an industry source, Aeroflot does not have valid permits to fly to North Korea.
Representatives of Aeroflot, the Federal Air Transport Agency and the Ministry of Transport refused to comment on the situation. Aurora’s president, Konstantin Sukhorebrik, confirmed to the Federal Air Transport Agency that the company is ready to start flights from Vladivostok after the resumption of air traffic between the countries at the end of August. The only airline currently operating flights to Vladivostok is Air Koryo from North Korea. Tickets for their flight were $230. As Flightradar24 shows, Air Koryo has 10 aircraft under 44 years old and operates two Tu-204s (14 and 30 years old) and one An-148 (10 years old) outside the country.
Previously reportedthat birds hit Russian planes more often.