Most countries have airports, even if they have limited access to and from them. But is there an airport in North Korea? In a word, yes. North Korea has several airports.
Origin Of North Korean Airports
North Korea’s airports originated in the early 1950s, when the Korean War ended in a truce but not a peace treaty. With large troop deployments, the need for airfield infrastructure became apparent and the North Korean People’s Army Air Force began to build several airports.
The first airport in North Korea, Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, opened in 1959, and operations began immediately. This airport is the flagship of North Korean airports and is currently the main point of entry into the country.
In the decades since its opening, Pyongyang Sunan International Airport has become the largest and most advanced airport in the country. It has a modern terminal, with direct international connections and is capable of handling wide-body aircraft. Despite its modern facilities, the airport has been labeled a “black hole” due to its isolated location and complete lack of international flights.
Airports In North Korea
In addition to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, there are four other international airports in North Korea. These include:
- Ryanggang Chungju International Airport – located in Yanggang-do, it is mainly used as an alternate airport for military and government flights.
- Hamhung International Airport – located in South Hamgyong Province, this is an alternate airport for military and government flights.
- Changjin County International Airport – located in North Hamgyong Province, it is mainly used for domestic flights.
- Tokchon International Airport – located in South Pyongan Province, this is an alternate airport for military and government flights.
In addition to these international airports, there are over 100 domestic airports scattered throughout the country. These airports range from airstrips to heliports, and many of them are used for military and government flights.
Travel Regulations
Travelers wishing to enter North Korea must first obtain a visa. Visas are available to those with a valid passport and must be obtained in advance. North Korean visas are issued through North Korean embassies in the countries that recognize North Korea.
Once travelers have obtained a visa, they must then go through customs inspections and security checks. Travelers may also be required to have a travel permit from their local government before they can enter the country.
Safety Of North Korean Airports
The safety of North Korean airports is largely unknown due to the lack of public reporting. The only reliable source of information on North Korean airports is from the US State Department, which has issued warnings for travelers about air travel in the region.
The US State Department has warned travelers to exercise caution when traveling to North Korea. The warnings cite the potential for natural disasters, such as flooding and earthquakes, and the possibility of terrorism.
Though North Korea has modernized its infrastructure, the lack of reliable public reporting makes it difficult to assess the safety of its airports. International visitors may want to avoid air travel to North Korea or consider taking extra safety precautions, such as researching airports and airlines thoroughly before traveling.
Airport Capacity
North Korea’s airports are capable of handling wide-body aircraft, but they are not capable of handling large numbers of international passengers. The limited capacity of North Korean airports can be attributed to the country’s lack of resources and international sanctions.
The US Treasury Department and the United Nations have both imposed sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear and missile programs. These sanctions have resulted in limited access to foreign goods, which has limited the capacity of North Korean airports.
Airspace Restrictions
Due to the geopolitical situation, North Korea’s airspace is subject to several restrictions. Foreign aircraft flying over North Korea must have approval from the country’s airspace authority.
In addition, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued restrictions requiring US-registered aircraft to remain at least 500 kilometers away from North Korean airspace when flying to or over North Korea.
Airline Accessibility
Despite the restrictions on foreign aircraft, North Korea maintains several airlines, which provide air travel within the country. North Korea’s state-owned airline, Air Koryo, operates flights from Pyongyang to other domestic airports.
Air Koryo is known for its outdated planes, limited routes, and occasional delays. The airline is limited to five destinations in Asia and Europe, which includes Beijing, Moscow, and Shenyang in China, and Vladivostok and Khabarovsk in Russia.
Conclusion
Despite its isolated location, North Korea has several airports, including five international airports. Although international visitors must take extra safety precautions, North Korea is still accessible by air. The airspace restrictions and limited airline accessibility make North Korea a challenging destination for travelers, but one with unforgettable experiences.
