Air China Suspends All Beijing-Pyongyang Flights Indefinitely

Traveling to the world's most secluded country just became more difficult as China's national air carrier has indefinitely suspended all flights between Beijing and Pyongyang.

An Air China representative named Ding explained that the service was stopped because "business was not good," reported Reuters.

Ding wouldn't specify when the service would resume, only saying that any future decision to reinstate the Beijing-Pyongyang flights would depend upon consumer demand.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson supported Air China's position by explaining decisions made by the country's airlines can be based on market needs.

As the only Chinese airline with flights to North Korea, Air China has provided thrice-weekly service to Pyongyang for nine years during which it experienced frequent cancellations. Flights were restored this past April after its seasonal suspension, but other service stoppages have come without warning.

The end of the Beijing-Pyongyang service comes on the heels of the decision by the US to name North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism a week after US President Donald Trump visited Beijing.

China has faced growing pressure to pacify its ally as North Korea continues to face sanctions over its development of nuclear weapons.

Although Pyongyang is no longer an available option on the Ctrip online travel booking platform, North Korea has previously been a popular destination for Chinese tourists for its close proximity and low expenses. And even without any available flights, North Korea is still one of the limited countries Chinese tourist can visit as self-driving tours continue to gain popularity.

Beijing residents still wishing to visit the hermit kingdom still have some options.

As the world's only one-star airline, North Korea's Air Koryo provides international flights to Pyongyang from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenyang. And if you want a slower pace, a soft sleeper train departs Beijing for Pyongyang four times a week.

Besides all the other things you should remember, China-based expats bound for North Korea must obtain a double-entry Chinese visa before departing, or they will have to re-apply for a Chinese transit visa while abroad.

And if North Korea can't attract you as a tourist, Beijing residents can still cross the border with their palate. Beijing hosts numerous ethnic Korean restaurants, some of which are prominently staffed by North Korean servers.

Image: Douban.com

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