In the face of growing isolation by Russia over its war in Ukraine, Putin is strengthening ties with North Koreawith the launch of a new nonstop service between Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) and the North Korean capital Pyongyang (FNJ) on July 27, 2025. 

Nordwind Airlines has deployed a Boeing 777-200ER fitted with 393 seats to operate this new long-haul service that will initially run once a month and a possibility of increasing the number of frequencies between the two cities as market demands.

The first of these flights, which retailed for 44,700 Rubles (around US$560 / €478), was reportedly sold out. 

The inauguration of this service follows the tightening of political and military links between Russia and North Korea, as the two countries collaborate in the war against Ukraine. 

However, this is not the only nonstop scheduled air service between Russia and North Korea. Air Koryo, the flag carrier of North Korea, also operates a service between Pyongyang and Vladivostok, Russia’s largest city on the Pacific coast. Air Koryo typically uses a Tupolev Tu-154 to operate this flight.