Air Koryo: Inside North Korea’s Secretive and Sanctioned Airline

Explore the fascinating world of Air Koryo, North Korea’s only airline, known for its unique Soviet-era fleet and its ability to operate despite strict international sanctions. Learn how this secretive airline maintains its aging planes, including the Tupolev TU-204, Antonov 148, and IL-62M, through ingenious self-reliance, local fabrication, and Russian connections. Discover Air Koryo’s limited routes to destinations like Vladivostok, Beijing, and Shenyang, as well as domestic flights within North Korea. Dive into the history of its fleet, accident records, and the restrictions around travel to and within the country. With tours like Uri and Koryo offering rare glimpses into North Korea, Air Koryo provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those authorized to visit. Uncover the mysteries of Pyongyang Airport, the airline’s maintenance practices, and even Kim Jong Un’s rumored piloting of a TU-204. Air Koryo is a story of aviation ingenuity under extreme constraints.