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Air China resumes direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday, marking the end of a six-year hiatus.
According to FlightStats monitoring data, Flight CA121 departed Beijing Capital Airport at 7:58 am—a few minutes ahead of schedule—and was expected to arrive at Sunan International Airport at 11:00 am.
This development is seen as a major indicator that North Korea is cautiously reopening its borders following years of strict pandemic-related isolation.
The return of Flight CA121, which connects the two capitals, follows the recent resumption of daily passenger train services between the neighbouring allies.
Despite the availability of economy tickets for approximately $200, travel remains restricted.
Pyongyang has not yet resumed the issuance of standard tourist visas, meaning the route is currently limited to those travelling for official government business or other approved special purposes.
Observers in the border town of Dandong recently noted that while transport links are returning, passenger volume remains low, with some trains entering the isolated nation nearly empty.
Tourism experts suggest that Air China’s reentry into the North Korean market could lead to more frequent connections, as the airline previously operated multiple flights per week.
While the move is a promising step for the regional travel industry, there is still no official confirmation on when Western tourists will be permitted to return.
For now, the flights represent a strengthening of the essential economic and diplomatic lifeline between Beijing and its long-term partner.
