Rosaviatsia has extended an invitation to Russian air carriers to begin services to Pyongyang, and the regulator’s delegates are now dialoguing with North Korean officials about broadening air traffic and deepening cooperation between the two countries. The move appears to be gaining traction, with discussions focused on practical steps to expand scheduled flights and improve aviation arrangements that would benefit both sides. The news was reported by Kommersant, which noted that Aeroflot and Aurora have already been approached about assessing their readiness to operate routes to Pyongyang. Aurora, in particular, signaled that it is theoretically prepared to consider such a role, should the agreement and market conditions align. Currently, the only direct path to Pyongyang without private jet arrangements involves chartering Air Koryo aircraft from Vladivostok. Tour operators have not yet received formal requests to organize trips to North Korea and do not anticipate a surge in demand in the near term. Nevertheless, analysts expect the bulk of potential traffic to fall into two broad categories: business travel and corporate relocation, with a subset of adventurous travelers showing curiosity about a more exotic destination.
According to sources cited by Kommersant, a delegation from the Federal Air Transport Agency recently visited North Korea to confer with the North Korean Civil Aviation Administration about how Russian carriers might operate flights to Pyongyang. The publication indicated that Aeroflot and Aurora were invited to evaluate their own readiness for this service and to discuss the broader framework for regular flights and possible amendments to air service agreements. These conversations may be connected to plans to increase the number of scheduled flights and to refine the terms of existing aviation arrangements between the two nations. (Kommersant)
Historically, Aeroflot held a central role as the designated carrier in the first air services agreement between the USSR and North Korea. This agreement, in force since 1997, allows either party to designate an airline by notifying the other side in advance. When both sides agree, additional, special and charter flights can be conducted without restrictive limitations. The current framework already supports air links among Moscow, Vladivostok, and Pyongyang, establishing a baseline for potential expansion if bilateral aviation ties are renewed or enhanced. (Kommersant)
Industry observers note that Aeroflot may not currently possess valid permits to operate flights to North Korea, a factor that could influence the pace of any renewed service. Representatives from Aeroflot, the Federal Air Transport Agency, and the Ministry of Transport did not offer public comments on the evolving situation. Aurora’s chief executive, Konstantin Sukhorebrik, told the Federal Air Transport Agency that the company stands ready to resume flights from Vladivostok once cross-border air traffic resumes, which they anticipate could happen by late August. At present, the only airline actively servicing Vladivostok is Air Koryo from North Korea. Ticket prices for Air Koryo’s Vladivostok flights have reportedly been around $230, and FlightRadar24 data indicates that the North Korean carrier operates a fleet that includes a handful of older aircraft, including two Tu-204s and an An-148, with several older planes aging out of service. (Kommersant)
Earlier statements on the topic have also touched on safety and operational reliability in the region, underscoring the practical challenges of expanding international aviation ties in this corridor. While the prospect of additional Russian carriers flying to Pyongyang remains subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions, the ongoing talks suggest a cautious but persistent interest in restoring and widening air connections that could benefit business travelers and, to a lesser extent, tourism. The dialogue reflects a broader pattern of re-engagement between Moscow and Pyongyang in civil aviation, with the potential to reshape cross-border air services in the coming months. (Kommersant)
In summary, the evolving discussions signal a measured step toward reviving more regular air traffic between Russia and North Korea. The emphasis appears to be on careful assessment, regulatory alignment, and the gradual expansion of service offerings, rather than a sudden surge in flights. Observers will be watching how permits, slots, and route authorities are handled as the two sides work toward a workable framework that could accommodate Aeroflot and Aurora among others on future schedules. The outcome will likely hinge on a combination of regulatory endorsement, market demand, and the readiness of airline operators to meet safety, security, and logistical standards expected by both governments and their travelers. (Kommersant)