Air China restarts direct flights to North Korea after 6-year hiatus

China’s national carrier Air China resumed flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday following a six-year suspension, tracking data showed, as reclusive North Korea gradually opens up after sealing its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Flight CA121 departed a few minutes ahead of schedule, leaving from Beijing Capital Airport at 5:18 AM (2358 GMT on Sunday), FlightStats monitoring data showed.

China has long served as a key economic and diplomatic partner for North Korea, acting as its largest trading partner and a critical source of support.

However, travel between the two nations was sharply curtailed in 2020 after strict border closures were imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Economy class fares are priced at around $200, with return flights from Pyongyang scheduled around midday.

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#LatestNews Air China resumes direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday, according to Air China's website.
Flight CA121 departed Beijing Capital International Airport at 8:05 a.m. Beijing time on Monday and is scheduled to arrive at Pyongyang airport at around 11:00… pic.twitter.com/w7WWlzaiz7

— China News 中国新闻网 (@Echinanews) March 30, 2026

Despite the resumption of connectivity, North Korea continues to limit entry, with tourist visas largely unavailable. Travel remains restricted to individuals with official or special permissions.

Earlier this month, daily passenger train services between China and North Korea also resumed. However, reports from the border city of Dandong suggest low passenger movement, with trains running mostly empty.

While China has fully reopened its borders post-pandemic, North Korea has taken a more cautious approach.

The country had earlier restored limited air and rail links with Russia, with state carrier Air Koryo restarting flights between Beijing and Pyongyang in 2023.

Travel operators say the return of Air China flights could improve accessibility to Pyongyang, though uncertainty remains. According to Young Pioneer Tours, while the move is encouraging, there is still no clarity on when Western tourists may be allowed to visit.