Story perspectives

Air China Resumes Flights to Pyongyang After Pandemic Pause

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Air China resumed direct Beijing–Pyongyang flights on March 30, 2026, after passenger train services were restored on March 12, 2026.
Both transport modes had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
The Chinese ambassador to North Korea welcomed the flight, highlighting close ties between the two nations.
North Korea has started easing its pandemic restrictions and is allowing limited foreign tourism.
Chinese tourists previously made up 90% of visitors.

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Story summary

Air China resumed direct Beijing–Pyongyang flights on March 30, 2026, after passenger train services were restored on March 12, 2026.
Both transport modes had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
The Chinese ambassador to North Korea welcomed the flight, highlighting close ties between the two nations.
North Korea has started easing its pandemic restrictions and is allowing limited foreign tourism.
Chinese tourists previously made up 90% of visitors.