Russia Launches Direct Moscow-Pyongyang Flights Amid Diplomatic Ties

Russia is set to launch direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang for the first time in years, with the private airline Nordwind Airlines authorized to operate twice-weekly flights starting in late July. This new route, approved by Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya), marks a significant expansion of transport links between the two countries, which have deepened ties amid Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Currently, the only other direct air connection between Russia and North Korea is a twice-weekly Air Koryo flight between Pyongyang and Vladivostok. The first Moscow–Pyongyang flight is scheduled for July 27 or 28, and services will be operated from Sheremetyevo International Airport. This development follows renewed rail service between the capitals and is part of broader efforts to restore transportation and tourism links between Russia and North Korea. Additionally, Russia is reopening its Gelendzhik Airport with resumed commercial flights, signaling a gradual restoration of air travel in southern regions amid shifting security conditions.