BEIJING — Air China will restart direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday after a six-year hiatus, another sign isolated North Korea is gradually opening up following the resumption of train services between the capitals. China has acted as a lifeline for North Korea’s moribund economy as its largest trading partner and an important source of diplomatic and political support. However, travel between the East Asian neighbours has been heavily restricted since 2020, when strict border closures were imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Flight CA121 is scheduled to depart Beijing Capital Airport at 8:05 am (0005 GMT) on Monday and arrive at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport at 11 am (0200 GMT), according to Air China’s website. Economy class tickets were available for around $200, according to AFP checks, and a return flight from Pyongyang is scheduled for midday. Pyongyang’s continued reluctance to issue tourist visas means only travellers with official or other special purposes can make the cross-border journey. Daily passenger train services resumed this month with Ch
