You've probably seen the headlines or heard the rumors that North Korea is "opening up" again. Honestly, it’s a bit more complicated than that. If you're looking for a flight for north korea right now, you aren't just booking a seat on Expedia and earning miles. It's a surreal process involving Soviet-era jets, secretive schedules, and a lot of geopolitical red tape.
As of early 2026, the situation is basically a slow-motion restart. After years of the most intense border closure on the planet, planes are finally moving again, but the door is only cracked open. For most Westerners, getting on one of those flights remains a massive challenge.
The Reality of Air Koryo in 2026
Air Koryo is the only game in town. It’s the national carrier of the DPRK, and let’s just say it has a "unique" reputation. People love to call it the "world’s only one-star airline," which is a bit of a harsh label from SkyTrax that has stuck for years. Is it actually dangerous? Not necessarily in the way people think, but it is definitely like stepping into a time capsule.
Right now, the most reliable routes for a flight for north korea are coming out of China and Russia. Specifically, Beijing (PEK) and Vladivostok (VVO) are the main hubs. You’ll mostly see Tupolev Tu-204s on the Beijing run—these are relatively modern Russian jets. But if you’re flying from Vladivostok, you might get lucky (or unlucky, depending on your nerves) and end up on an Antonov or an older Ilyushin.
- Beijing to Pyongyang: Usually runs a couple of times a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays are the classic slots).
- Vladivostok to Pyongyang: This route has become surprisingly active lately due to the strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
- Shenyang to Pyongyang: Occasionally pops up on the schedule, but it’s less consistent.
The experience on board is... something else. No Wi-Fi. No Netflix. Instead, you get the "Moranbong Band" playing on overhead screens—that’s the famous all-female state orchestra. The food? You’ll likely be served the legendary "Koryo Burger." It’s a mysterious piece of meat on a bun that has reached cult status among travel bloggers. Some people hate it; others find it strangely charming.
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Who is Actually Allowed to Fly?
This is where things get tricky. Even if there's a flight available, you can't just buy a ticket. As of January 2026, North Korea has officially remained closed to general international tourism, with one major exception: Russian tour groups.
Ever since early 2024, specialized Russian groups have been allowed in for ski trips at the Masikryong Ski Resort and sightseeing in Pyongyang. For everyone else, including Europeans, Canadians, and Australians, the wait continues. The big "reopening" that was teased for late 2024 for places like Samjiyon (near Mount Paektu) has been hit with constant delays.
Important Note for U.S. Citizens: If you’re holding a U.S. passport, the situation is even more stagnant. The U.S. State Department has continuously renewed the ban on using a U.S. passport for travel to North Korea. Unless you have a specific "Special Validation" (usually for journalists or humanitarian workers), you legally cannot go.
The Secret World of Flight JS272
There’s a specific rhythm to these flights. Take flight JS271/272, for example. This is the Vladivostok route. In 2025 and moving into 2026, this flight has become a lifeline. It’s not just for "tourists." You’ll see a mix of North Korean laborers returning home, Russian diplomats, and various business delegations.
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The flight itself is short—usually around 90 minutes. You take off from Vladivostok’s modern airport and land at Pyongyang Sunan International (FNJ). Sunan actually has a "new" terminal that opened a few years back. It’s surprisingly clean and quiet, mostly because there are only about three or four flights a day.
Why Air China Isn't Flying Much
In the past, Air China used to run a regular service between Beijing and Pyongyang. It was the only foreign airline to do so. However, they've been very hesitant to resume a full schedule. They occasionally test the waters with a few flights, but they often cancel them if the "political climate" isn't quite right. If you’re looking for a flight for north korea that feels like a standard commercial experience, Air China is your only hope, but don't count on them being consistent in 2026.
How to Actually Get a Ticket
Let’s say the borders do finally open for everyone later this year. How do you get a seat?
- You cannot book online. Don't bother looking for Air Koryo on Expedia or Kayak. It’s not going to happen.
- Use a specialized agency. You basically have to go through companies like Koryo Tours (based in Beijing) or Young Pioneer Tours. These guys have the "direct line" to the Air Koryo offices.
- The Visa is the Ticket. You don't get a boarding pass until your visa is approved. Usually, the tour company handles both. They’ll meet you in Beijing, hand you your visa (or a separate travel paper), and then you check in as a group.
Honestly, the "check-in" at Beijing Terminal 2 is one of the best people-watching spots in the world. You’ll see North Korean officials with their distinctive Kim Il Sung pins, massive boxes of "duty-free" electronics being checked as luggage, and nervous-looking tourists wondering what they’ve gotten themselves into.
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Safety and the "Soviet Junk" Myth
There is a huge misconception that every flight for north korea is a death trap. That’s not quite fair. While the fleet is old, Air Koryo has a decent safety record on its international routes over the last couple of decades.
The "scary" planes people post on YouTube—the ones with the open overhead racks and the fans on the ceiling—are mostly used for domestic hops within the country (like flying to Orang or Samjiyon). The international flights to China and Russia use the Tu-204 and sometimes the An-148, which are modern enough to meet international standards.
What to Watch Out For in 2026
If you’re planning or even just dreaming about this trip, there are a few things that are different now than they were back in 2019.
- Health Protocols: North Korea is extremely paranoid about viruses. Even in 2026, expect some form of health screening or even a short quarantine if you’re coming from a region with a new "variant" of anything.
- Digital Restrictions: You can bring your phone, but don't expect it to work. There is no roaming. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport if you really need to email home, but it’s incredibly expensive and heavily monitored.
- Currency: You’ll need crisp, clean Euros or Chinese Yuan. They don't like old, wrinkled bills, and they definitely won't take your credit card at the Air Koryo desk.
Actionable Insights for Future Travelers
If you're serious about catching a flight for north korea once things normalize, here is what you should be doing right now:
- Get your Chinese visa ready. Since most flights depart from Beijing, you’ll need at least a double-entry Chinese visa or be eligible for the 144-hour transit-free stay.
- Monitor the Russian route. If you aren't an American, the Vladivostok route is currently the most "active" entry point. It’s a weird way to go, but it’s the most likely to stay open.
- Sign up for "Reopening" newsletters. Specialized agencies like Koryo Tours have mailing lists specifically for when the first "Western" slots open up. These will sell out in minutes.
- Check your passport. North Korean immigration won't stamp your passport if you ask for a "tourist card" instead, but they are very picky about your passport being valid for at least six months.
Getting to Pyongyang isn't about the destination as much as the journey. The flight is the first step into a different reality. It's loud, the burger is weird, and the music is intense. But for the few who get to go, it's an experience you'll never forget.