'Unprecedented surge' of Russian planes in N Korean airspace: analysis

SEOUL

This file photo taken on May 12, 2016 shows a Russian-built Tupolev Tu-204 aircraft operated by North Korean flag carrier Air Koryo as it taxis at Sunan airport in Pyongyang.

North Korean airspace has seen an "unprecedented surge" of Russian planes in the past year, said a flight data analysis published Tuesday, indicating growing links between Pyongyang and Moscow that have raised Western concern.

Kim Jong Un's isolated nuclear-armed country sealed its borders in early 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and only began allowing international flights again last year, in limited numbers.

But the country's airspace has "roared to life" with some 350 flights, said an analysis by South Korea-based specialist site NK Pro, thanks in part to "an unprecedented surge in Russian aircraft visiting the DPRK", referring to North Korea by its official name.

"The records reveal a steady upward trend in flights from July 2023 to August 2024 following the almost total suspension of air travel for three and a half years, including an increase in Russian government and military flights that far surpasses pre-pandemic levels," the report said.

"The sharp uptick in Russian air traffic points to deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, a trend accelerated by Russia's growing international isolation following its invasion of Ukraine," it added.

Ties between Russia and North Korea have strengthened in recent years, with Kim signing a mutual defence agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin when he made a rare visit to Pyongyang in June this year.

Washington and Seoul claim Pyongyang is breaching arms control measures by supplying weapons to Russia to use in its war in Ukraine.

The United States has long said Russia is using up munitions and losing heavy equipment in Ukraine, forcing the Kremlin to turn to its small pool of allies, including North Korea, for support.

South Korea has been alarmed at Moscow's embrace of its unpredictable neighbour, with relations between the two Koreas at one of their lowest points in years.

Despite the airspace traffic, overall recovery of flights by North Korea's flag carrier Air Koryo has been sluggish, the NK Pro report said, suggesting "economic engagement with China has not fully rebounded despite the easing of Covid-19 restrictions".

Tourism from China was a major source of foreign currency for the North before pandemic closures.

Asan Institute research fellow Lee Dong-gyu told AFP it appeared China was also not happy about the growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

"I think China is dissatisfied with North Korea, which has close military ties with Russia, and they are trying to convey this to North Korea by not restarting tourism," he said.

"Despite North Korea emphasising they will resume tourism, China hasn't said a word," he added.

"I think China intends to pressure North Korea in the tourism sector... at a time when North Korea has no choice but to depend on China economically."