What does the resumption of direct flights mean for relations between China and North Korea

Air China resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday, marking the first air connection after a six-year hiatus. This resumption comes less than three weeks after the rail service between the two capitals was restored. The first flight, CA121, took off on March 30, and the landing in the North Korean capital was scheduled for 11:00 AM. Tickets for Air China flights are available at affordable prices, and the company will operate weekly flights every Monday. The resumption of these services suggests a possible reopening of tourism from China to North Korea, although the country remains reluctant to issue tourist visas. These connections are mainly used by students, workers, and people visiting their families, in the context of North Korea continuing to be very isolated.