Air China Resumes Flights to North Korea After Six-Year Hiatus

• •Air China resumed flights to North Korea after a six-year suspension due to the pandemic.
• •Only travelers with specific visas can currently enter North Korea, limiting tourism.
• •The reopening of transport links is crucial for North Korea's economy and China-North Korea relations.

Air China has resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on March 30, 2026, marking a significant step in the gradual reopening of North Korea following the pandemic-related border closures that began in 2020. This resumption follows the restoration of passenger train services between the two capitals earlier in March. The flight, operated by a Boeing 737-700, was welcomed by Chinese diplomats in North Korea. Currently, only travelers with business, study, or special purposes can make the journey, as tourism visas for Chinese citizens have not yet been reinstated. Prior to the pandemic, Chinese tourists accounted for 90% of all visitors to North Korea, highlighting the importance of this route for economic and cultural exchanges. Observers note that the reopening is a significant milestone in the relationship between China and North Korea, which has been complicated by North Korea's missile tests and nuclear ambitions. The resumption of these transport links is seen as a lifeline for North Korea's economy, heavily reliant on Chinese support.