Air China has officially restarted its direct flight route between Beijing and Pyongyang, marking the end of a six-year pause and hinting at a slow but meaningful shift in North Korea’s reopening process. The move comes as the isolated nation cautiously reconnects with the outside world after years of strict border closures that began during the global pandemic in 2020.
For years, access to North Korea has been limited and highly controlled. When the country sealed its borders during the pandemic, it became even more cut off from international travel and trade. Now, the restart of flights and train services between the two capitals is being seen as an early signal that cross-border activity may gradually expand again.
The flight, identified as CA121, departed from Beijing Capital International Airport at 7.58 a.m. and arrived at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport later in the morning. The aircraft used on the route was a Boeing 737-700, which can carry up to 128 passengers. However, travel on this route is currently restricted to individuals with specific purposes such as business, academic activities, or other approved visits.
At the airport in Pyongyang, passengers were welcomed by Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun along with members of the Chinese diplomatic team. In Beijing earlier that day, reporters observed travelers lining up to check in their luggage as the long-suspended route resumed operations.
Among the passengers was business traveler Zhao Bin, who expressed hope that the renewed flights could lead to more connections between the two countries in the near future. He believes the return of both railway and air travel could open doors for stronger exchanges and increased movement between people.
Zhao, who has visited North Korea several times and most recently traveled there in 2024, said the restored route would make travel significantly easier for frequent visitors moving between Beijing and Pyongyang. He also shared excitement about experiencing the country’s food again, describing North Korean cuisine as rich and diverse. According to him, stronger exchanges could deepen ties between the two nations even further.
China has long played a crucial role in supporting North Korea’s economy. As the country’s largest trading partner and a key diplomatic ally, China has served as an important economic and political lifeline, especially during periods of isolation.
Although China reopened its borders earlier after the pandemic, North Korea has been moving at a slower pace. The country resumed certain connections last year, including flights and train services with Russia, and its national airline, Air Koryo, restarted Beijing flights in 2023. The addition of Air China’s route is now another step in rebuilding international links.
Travel experts say the restart of the Beijing route could make access to Pyongyang easier through connecting flights from other cities. However, tourism is still uncertain. While the return of flights is considered encouraging, there is no confirmation yet about when Western tourists will be allowed to visit again.
Before the pandemic, Chinese visitors made up the majority of foreign tourists traveling to North Korea. In 2019 alone, around 350,000 Chinese tourists visited the country, contributing significantly to its tourism revenue. By comparison, only about 5,000 Western tourists traveled to North Korea annually between 2009 and the years before the pandemic, with American visitors making up roughly one-fifth of that group.
For now, the resumed flights represent more than just transportation. They reflect a small but important shift in a country that has remained largely closed off from the world. Each new connection — whether by air or rail — suggests that North Korea may slowly be exploring a path back toward limited international engagement.
