Passenger flights between China and North Korea are set to resume, ending a pause that began in 2020 amid the coronavirus outbreak. Reports from TASS, quoting data from Beijing Capital International Airport, confirm that services will restart on August 21. The timetable shows a Pyongyang to Beijing service scheduled for 09:50 local time, which equals 04:50 Moscow time, with Flight JS151 operated by Air Koryo. The flight is anticipated to arrive at Beijing’s second terminal and marks a milestone in cross-border travel after more than three years of disruption. [TASS]
The return service is planned for the same carrier, with Flight JS152 departing Beijing at 13:05 local time (08:05 Moscow time). These specifics illustrate a coordinated reopening of air links that have been tightly restricted since early 2020, when border closures and travel bans were put in place to curb the virus’s spread. The resumption of these flights mirrors broader regional developments as both capitals seek to restore business, diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges that had been limited for an extended period. [TASS]
Earlier reporting from Yonhap, the South Korean news agency, suggested on August 16 that North Korea could be moving toward reopening its borders that had remained closed for more than three years. The DPRK’s border policies during the pandemic were among the strictest globally, with Pyongyang isolating itself from much of the outside world to control the virus. While prioritizing public health, the restrictions created logistical challenges for diplomats and United Nations personnel who needed to rotate in and out of the country for official duties and humanitarian work. [Yonhap]
Historically known for its distinctive cultural heritage and rugged landscapes, North Korea’s policy choices during the pandemic extended to travel and tourism. The country’s decision to gradually ease some restrictions signals a potential shift in how it balances health precautions with the demands of international engagement. Observers note that any reopening in air travel is a complex process that involves coordination across multiple ministries, airport authorities, and international partners, as well as ongoing health and safety protocols for travelers. The move is watched closely by regional analysts who consider it a possible precursor to broader diplomatic and economic recalibrations amid evolving regional dynamics. [Analysts]
As this development unfolds, travel and tourism within the region face new permutations. Stakeholders in aviation, business, and government are watching how the resumed routes will affect passenger volumes, supply chains, and regional connectivity. While the immediate flights focus on a single corridor, the broader implications may include more regularized schedules, improved cooperation on health surveillance, and enhanced information sharing among aviation authorities. Given North Korea’s historical emphasis on controlled tourism and selective international engagement, the current steps toward reopening could shape the pace and scope of future travel programs, both for official delegations and permitted visitors. The overall mood among observers is cautiously optimistic, with the expectation that incremental steps will accompany a more stable and predictable travel environment in the near term. [Observers]