China’s national airline resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday, shortly after passenger train services between the two capitals were restored.

The Air China flight was greeted by Chinese Ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun and other diplomats, Chinese state media reported.

Passenger train services from China to North Korea resumed on March 12.

Flights and passenger trains to North Korea had been suspended since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

North Korean airline Air Koryo resumed flights between Beijing and Pyongyang in 2023.

During the pandemic, North Korea banned all foreign tourists but has begun easing restrictions, allowing a Russian tour group to enter the country in 2024.

Before the ban, Chinese tour groups accounted for 90 per cent of all visitors to North Korea, and observers were surprised by the delay in resuming Chinese tours.

China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and key ally, but Beijing has repeatedly expressed concern over Pyongyang’s missile tests, which could threaten South Korea and the United States.