Air Koryo To Launch Shanghai-Pyongyang Direct Flights

Air Koryo, the national flag carrier of North Korea, is scheduled to launch direct tourist charter flights linking Shanghai to Pyongyang in North Korea, with effect from August 6, 2010.

The Chinese government had earlier added North Korea as a new outbound travel destination, with effect from April 12, 2010. However, tourists from Shanghai had to transfer in Beijing or Shenyang to fly to Pyongyang.

Industry experts comment that the launch of direct tourist charter flights will help enhance cooperation and exchanges in trade, tourism and culture between China and North Korea.

The new flights are expected to be popular with many Chinese military veterans who hope to go to North Korea to mark the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.