Russia has opened a direct air route between Moscow and Pyogyang in a move reflecting closer ties between the two countries.

The inaugural flight, operated by Russia’s Nordwind Airlines on a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, departed Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport at 7:00 p.m. on July 27. Although the Russian Federal Aviation Authority (Rosaviatsia) granted permission to operate approximately eight-hour flights between the capitals twice a week,

The start of regular flights follows the resumption of Moscow-Pyongyang passenger rail service, a 10-day journey, in June.