Air China resumes direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang

A major Chinese airline resumed direct flights between Beijing and the North Korean capital Pyongyang on Monday for the first time in six years.

Air China suspended direct passenger flights between the two capitals in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

North Korea's state-run Air Koryo restarted passenger flights between the two countries in 2023.

At a news conference earlier this month, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, "Resuming passenger flights is a positive move that facilitates the friendly exchanges between the two peoples."

North Korea opened a beach resort in the eastern city of Wonsan last year. The country's leader, Kim Jong Un, told last month's congress of the ruling Workers' Party that he will promote the tourism sector.

Passenger train services connecting the capitals of the two nations resumed on March 12, but Pyongyang has not yet begun accepting Chinese tourists.

Observers predict that the resumption of direct flights will increase travel between China and North Korea.

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