NK Introduces Domestic Air Travel

Air travel, for the first time in North Korea, has now
become an option for people wishing to travel domestically, according to Radio
Free Asia [RFA].

The broadcaster, citing a source in China, reported on Monday [local time], “This is the first time North Korea has authorized
travel via air.” However, it is yet unknown what kind of plane models have been
introduced for these domestic flights.

Three travel routes have been running since July 13th,
according to the source, who said they run from Pyongyang-Samjiyon,
Pyongyang-Orang, and Pyongyang-Hamheung. “People can take a plane from
Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport and arrive at Mt. Baekdu in about an
hour,” RFA reported.

Airfares are reportedly paid in dollars with the
Pyongyang-Samjiyon route at 92 USD; Pyongyang to Eorang at 83 USD; and
Pyongyang to Hamheung costing 62 USD.

RFA’s source reported, soon after the domestic flights
opened, North Korea started publicizing it, declaring, “This has all been made
possible by Kim Jong Eun’s benevolence, and residents in Pyongyang are excited
that not only foreigners, but affluent families in the North, can travel within
the country via airplane as well.”

Although North Korea may have allowed people to travel on
domestic flights, the costs are too steep for most residents. To fly from
Pyongyang to Samjiyon, it would cost approximately 250 times the monthly wage
of an average worker, which stands at a mere 0.3 USD [3000 KPW].

Some speculate the introduction of these flights is because
of poor railway operations. “I’ve heard that flights are available, but I have
never seen one,” a resident in Musan, North Hamkyung Province said to
RFA.  “The power outages are so bad that the train from Pyongyang to Musan
only runs once a week.”