Russia inaugurated direct commercial flights to North Korea on July 27, 2025, signaling a deepening of bilateral relations amid international isolation for both nations.
The first Aeroflot flight departed from Vladivostok to Pyongyang, carrying 120 passengers, including business travelers and tourists, following a cooperation agreement signed in June 2025 during a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The weekly service, priced at $300 round-trip, is part of a broader initiative to enhance trade and tourism, with plans to increase frequency to twice weekly by year-end.
The move comes as both countries face sanctions, Russia over Ukraine and North Korea over its nuclear program, prompting analysts from the Carnegie Endowment to view it as a strategic counter to Western influence.
The flight route, spanning 1,100 kilometers, will connect to a new trade corridor, though capacity is limited by North Korea’s infrastructure. The narrative of renewed connectivity is significant, raising concerns from the United States and South Korea about potential military or economic escalations, with no immediate economic impact reported on global markets as of this date.