China steps up North Korea connections as regular Beijing-Pyongyang flights resume

China’s flagship airline resumed direct flight services to Pyongyang on Monday, a symbolic and logistical development that marks warming bilateral ties and comes just weeks after passenger train services were restored for the first time in six years.

The Air China flight arrived at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport on Monday morning, where the Chinese ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, and other embassy diplomats welcomed passengers at the airport, according to Xinhua.

The Boeing 737 operated by the national carrier departed from Beijing Capital International Airport about 8am and arrived at Pyongyang at 10.40am local time, flight data shows. The return flight left Pyongyang for Beijing around 12pm local time.

According to the Air China website, the route operates on Mondays on the same schedule.

Wang said the resumed flight route was a “landmark event” in the two countries’ aviation cooperation, according to a Chinese embassy statement.

“This will serve as a bridge to further strengthen friendly exchanges and people-to-people ties, and inject new momentum into bilateral travel, economic cooperation and cultural exchanges,” he was quoted as saying.

The statement said passenger representatives noted it was a “perfect flight experience” and expressed confidence that the resumed route would allow greater travel convenience.

South China Morning Post