Nordwind Launches Moscow–Pyongyang Flights
Nordwind Airlines has officially launched a new nonstop service connecting Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) with Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), marking a significant development in aviation ties between Russia and North Korea. The inaugural flight took place on July 27, 2025, using a Boeing 777-200ER configured with 393 seats, including six in business class and 387 in economy.
The new route, operating under flight number N46107, will initially run once a month. However, Nordwind has indicated that it may increase frequency depending on future passenger demand. The debut flight reportedly sold out, with tickets priced at 44,700 Rubles, approximately US$560 or €478, reflecting strong interest in the new connection.
This direct service emerges amid deepening political and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The two nations have expanded their strategic relationship over recent months, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine. The launch of regular air connectivity adds a new dimension to their collaboration, making it easier for officials, workers, and select travelers to move between the two capitals.
While Nordwind’s new service represents the only long-haul direct flight between Moscow and Pyongyang, it is not the only air link between the two countries. North Korea’s state-owned carrier Air Koryo also maintains a scheduled route between Pyongyang and Vladivostok (VVO), Russia’s easternmost major city. Air Koryo typically operates this route with its aging Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft, offering limited capacity and frequency.
The addition of Nordwind’s Boeing 777 service from Moscow significantly expands the capacity and reach of air travel between the two nations. It also highlights a growing aviation partnership at a time when both countries face isolation from many Western states. For Russia, the move reflects a continued shift in diplomatic and economic engagement toward non-Western partners. For North Korea, it offers a rare opportunity to increase its international connectivity and earn foreign currency through tourism and diplomatic exchanges.
The route may appeal to officials, aid workers, and business interests aligned with bilateral government projects, though travel to and from North Korea remains highly restricted. Still, the launch of a commercial flight between Moscow and Pyongyang sends a clear signal about the strengthening ties between the two authoritarian regimes.
As the global political landscape continues to evolve, the Nordwind–Pyongyang connection underscores the ways in which air routes often mirror deeper strategic alliances. Whether this flight becomes a regular fixture or remains an infrequent service will likely depend on the broader trajectory of Russia–North Korea relations in the months ahead.
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