North Korea (DPRK) - 평양 순안 국제공항
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (IATA: FNJ, ICAO: ZKPY), is the primary airport serving North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, located in the city’s Sunan District. This strategic transportation hub has a notable history, marked by closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent reopening in 2023.
Closed temporarily in 2020 due to the global health crisis, the airport resumed international operations in 2023, with Air Koryo flights connecting to Beijing and Vladivostok. As of October 2019, Air China and Air Koryo are the two airlines serving the airport, with Air Koryo acting as the primary hub carrier.
While the airport serves as a hub for Air Koryo, it also facilitates domestic flights to regional airports such as Samjiyon, O’rang, Sondok, and Wonsan-Kalma. Recent reports indicate the easing of border restrictions, allowing Air Koryo to operate its first international trip post-COVID, marking a potential shift in the nation’s international travel dynamics.
Airport Infrastructure and Amenities at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
Pyongyang International Airport boasts modern infrastructure with two passenger terminals, namely Terminal 1 (for domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (for international flights). Terminal 2, inaugurated in 2015, features amenities like a duty-free store, coffee bar, newsstand, Internet room, snack bar, pharmacy, and various shops. It has two fully functional runways designated 17/35 and 01/19.
Situated approximately 25 kilometers from Pyongyang, the airport is easily accessible via the Pyongyang-Hicheon Expressway. Additionally, Sunan Station, part of the Korean State Railway’s Pyongui Line, is conveniently located just 800 meters from the airport terminal, providing efficient rail access.
Brief history of Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
Originally established during Japanese rule, Pyongyang International Airport underwent significant development post-Korean War. Recent years have seen expansions and renovations, with the construction of new terminals and facilities. Ongoing initiatives aim to enhance the airport’s efficiency and accommodate increased international travel.
In conclusion, Pyongyang International Airport stands as a crucial gateway for North Korea, undergoing continuous improvements to meet evolving aviation demands. As the nation gradually opens up to international travel, the airport’s role in facilitating connections and trade may become increasingly significant.