Initiating a significant shift in its approach to international connectivity, North Korea resumed its international aviation operations by landing its inaugural international commercial flight in Beijing after a three-year hiatus due to extensive COVID-19 restrictions. Media reports indicate that this move marks a departure from the country's stringent border policies.

This development signaled the revival of international travel after North Korea's state airline, Air Koryo, successfully landed at Beijing's Capital Airport. This event marked the airline's first flight since the beginning of 2020. An arrivals board at the airport, observed by an AFP reporter, displayed the flight under the designation JS151.

As per recent reports, China has officially granted approval for the reinstatement of commercial flights connecting Beijing and the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. This announcement came during a routine press briefing conducted by Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for China's foreign ministry.

During the briefing, Wenbin stated, "During the summer and autumn flight season... the Chinese side approved flight plans for passengers such as the Pyongyang-Beijing and Beijing-Pyongyang routes of Air Koryo."

Notably, Air Koryo, North Korea's state airline, has reenter Chinese airspace on August 21. However, the anticipated return was marred by an unexpected turn of events, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the scheduled flights.

In a noteworthy diplomatic shift, North Korea has been engaging with foreign counterparts in a series of recent developments. Foreign officials from China and Russia, a rare occurrence, participated in a military parade held in Pyongyang, signifying a significant departure from years of isolation.

Moreover, North Korea displayed another departure from its isolationist stance by permitting a delegation of athletes to partake in a taekwondo competition hosted in Kazakhstan. These actions mark a departure from the stringent isolationist policies that had been in place since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking ahead, there are indications that Air Koryo's reach is set to expand further. Reports suggest that the airline has plans to operate two flights connecting Vladivostok, Russia, and Pyongyang, thereby further highlighting the potential evolution of North Korea's international engagement.

Image source: Wion