Europe and US doors shut, North Korean air hostesses welcome Russian guests after medical check as Moscow resumes Pyongyang flight

Russia has begun direct flights to North Korea as Moscow faces increasing travel restrictions from the West and Pyongyang seeks to revive its tourism industry post-pandemic. The first Moscow-to-Pyongyang flight, operated by Russia’s Nordwind Airlines, took off on Sunday, July 27, from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport and landed in the North Korean capital after an eight-hour journey.

According to Russia’s transport ministry, the route will operate once a month, with the return flight from Pyongyang to Moscow scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, as reported by CNN.

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The airline, which previously flew Russian tourists to European holiday destinations before EU sanctions banned Russian flights, priced tickets at 45,000 rubles ($570).

An employee from Nordwind, speaking to Agence France-Presse, called the flight a “historical event” but declined to share passenger numbers.

“For the first time in more than 70 years of diplomatic relations, we are launching direct flights between the capitals of our countries,” said Russia’s deputy transport minister, Vladimir Poteshkin, in a post on the ministry’s Telegram channel.

Russian arrival in North Korea

The flight received a ceremonial welcome at Pyongyang Airport. The Russian delegation, led by Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov, who heads the Russian side of the intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation between Russia and North Korea, was presented with flowers upon arrival. The CNN reported that around 400 passengers were on the flight.

It was also noted that North Korean officials were checking temperatures with thermal guns. This suggests that their tourism sector, mostly backed by Chinese tourists, has not fully opened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

And North Korea is gradually reopening to foreign visitors. Although general tourism remains limited, Pyongyang has recently allowed Russian group tours and hosted a marathon open to foreign athletes in April.

Limited travel options for Russians

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many Russian travelers have been barred from visiting destinations in Europe, Australia, and the United States.

Sanctions and airspace bans have forced Russian airlines to look for alternative routes and destinations.

As of 2025, Russian tourists' entry remains restricted. Most European countries, including the Baltic states, Poland, Finland, and Norway, have either banned or severely limited Russian tourists' entry.

Schengen visas are harder to obtain, and even where they are granted, such as in France, Germany, or Italy, entry can be denied at land borders.

The UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also maintain tight restrictions, with limited or delayed visa processing.

Closer Moscow-Pyongyang ties

In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un launched a new beach resort on the country’s east coast. Authorities reportedly hope the resort will attract 20,000 visitors annually.

The new air route is another milestone in the diplomatic and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The two countries signed a mutual defense pact last year during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang.

“For the first time in more than 70 years of diplomatic relations, we are launching direct flights between the capitals of our countries,” said Russia’s deputy transport minister, Vladimir Poteshkin, in a post on the ministry’s Telegram channel.