After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, flights linking North Korea and Russia are poised to resume, marking a significant step towards normalization. North Korea's national airline, Air Koryo, will initiate four flights this month between Pyongyang and Vladivostok, situated in southeastern Russia, CNN reports.
These flights, designated as Air Koryo 271 and 272, are set to operate on Friday, August 25, and Monday, August 28, with one flight per day. Departing from Vladivostok International Airport (VVO) at 8:45 a.m., the first flight arrives at Pyongyang International Airport (FNJ) at 11:15 a.m., while the return journey departs the North Korean capital at 1:15 p.m., reaching Russia at 1:55 p.m., considering Vladivostok's time zone is an hour ahead of North Korea's.
This resumption in air connectivity between the two cities spanning around 680 km (423 miles) is noteworthy, as they are also linked by rail. A significant prior instance of this connection occurred when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Vladivostok for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2019, making the trip on his private train.
North Korea, known for its heavily controlled borders, enforced a near-complete lockdown during the pandemic. Consequently, Russian diplomats stationed in North Korea encountered challenges while attempting to depart. A poignant example emerged in February 2021, revealing a diplomat, his family, and their children crossing the border utilizing a hand-operated pushcart along railroad tracks. This resourceful journey involved a grueling two-day effort to reach Russia.
In contrast, the renewed air travel between Vladivostok and Pyongyang drastically reduces travel time, offering a one-hour flight between the two locations. This development underscores the gradual easing of travel restrictions between North Korea and other nations, signifying a step towards reengaging with the international community in the wake of the pandemic.
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