North Korea's Air Travel: Airport Operations And Accessibility

North Korea does indeed have an airport, and a very impressive one at that. The Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (IATA code: FNJ) is the main airport serving Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic, with a corridor of shops connecting them. The airport is modern and spotless, with all the basic facilities a traveller may require.

Pyongyang Sunan International Airport is modern, spotless, and has all basic amenities

North Korea does have an airport, the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, which is about 25 kilometres from the city. The airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international flights, with a corridor of shops connecting them. The domestic terminal has two floors, with departure and arrival areas on the first floor and shops and restaurants on the second. The international terminal has jet bridges, at least 12 check-in counters, and amenities including a duty-free store, coffee bar, newsstand, internet room, snack bar, pharmacy, CD/DVD shop, and electronics shop. There is also a business-class lounge with a buffet and an outdoor viewing area.

The airport is modern and spotless, with newly renovated terminals. It has all the basic amenities one might need during a visit, including small souvenir shops, restrooms, a smoking lounge, and a convenience store. The airport also has a restaurant serving Korean and Chinese food, and a bar serving a range of beers and imported spirits. It accepts various currencies, including Chinese RMB, Euro, USD, Japanese Yen, and Russian Ruble.

Pyongyang Sunan International Airport has a long history, dating back to the Korean War when it was occupied by United Nations forces. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the most recent upgrades occurring in 2015 and 2016. The airport is accessible by the Pyongyang-Hicheon Expressway and is also connected to the Korean State Railway via the nearby Sunan Station.

The airport has two terminals, one for domestic and one for international flights

North Korea does have an airport. Pyongyang International Airport, also known as Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, is the sole international airport serving Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. It is located in the city's Sunan District.

Pyongyang Airport is known for its modern and well-organised facilities, a contrast to the often overcrowded and disorganised airports found in other parts of the developing world. The airport has all the basic amenities one might need during a visit, including a variety of shops and restaurants. It is also spotless, lacking the aesthetic oddness found in some of North Korea's other construction projects.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1940s when the Pyongyang Air Base was built by the Empire of Japan. After World War II, the need for a newer airport arose, and the Sunan Airfield was constructed. The airport has been used for both civil and military purposes, with the nearby Mirim Airport serving as a military airfield. In the 1980s and 1990s, international airlines such as Aeroflot and Air Koryo offered flights to destinations like Moscow, Khabarovsk, Berlin, and Sofia.

Today, Pyongyang International Airport continues to serve as a gateway to North Korea, connecting the country to the world through a limited number of international flights.

There are shops, restaurants, and a smoking lounge

North Korea does have an airport – the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (IATA code FNJ, ICAO – ZKPY). The airport consists of two terminals: one for international flights and one for domestic flights, which are adjacent to each other.

There are indeed shops, restaurants, and a smoking lounge at the Pyongyang airport. The airport has all the basic amenities one might need during their visit. The first floor of the domestic terminal consists of departure and arrival areas, while the second floor has various shops and restaurants. A corridor of shops connects the two terminals. The airport has all the standard shops one might expect, including a newsstand, a children's store, a shoe store, a clothing store, a CD shop, and an electronics shop. There are also two pharmacies, one in the main hall and one in the boarding area. Duty-free shopping is also available.

When it comes to food and drinks, the airport offers both Western and Korean cuisine options. There is a coffee bar in the main hall, and the newsstand also sells snacks. If you're looking for a full meal, head to the restaurant on the third floor, which serves Korean and Chinese food. For drinks, you can find a range of options, including cocktails, coffee, and beer. There is also a smoking lounge located on the first floor.

The airport also has other amenities and services, including ATMs, postal services, currency exchange, and an internet room. The Air Koryo Business Class Lounge offers a complimentary buffet and a comfortable space to wait for your flight.

The airport accepts Chinese RMB, Euro, USD, Japanese Yen, and Russian Ruble

North Korea does have an airport, the Pyongyang International Airport or Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (IATA code FNJ, ICAO – ZKPY). The airport has two terminals: an international terminal and a domestic terminal, which are adjacent to each other. The domestic terminal is two stories, with the first floor consisting of departure and arrival areas, and the second floor featuring shops and restaurants.

Pyongyang Airport is described as being spotless and well-organised, with all the basic amenities one might need during a visit. Upon arrival, travellers can exchange their currency into the local currency, the Korean People's Won (KPW), at bank branches and money exchangers located within the airport. It is recommended to check the hours and locations in advance as these vary by bank.

The airport accepts various foreign currencies, including Chinese RMB, Euro, USD, Japanese Yen, and Russian Ruble. This is convenient for travellers coming from different parts of the world. It is worth noting that foreign exchange rates in North Korea have been surging recently, with the KPW trading at 16,100 to the dollar in Pyongyang, the highest recorded rate since 2009.

In addition to currency exchange services, the airport offers a range of amenities and services to cater to travellers' needs. There are souvenir shops, restrooms, a smoking lounge, and a convenience store for last-minute snacks or drinks. The airport also provides a SIM card rental service through the Koryolink counter, ensuring that travellers can stay connected during their stay in North Korea.

There are plans to upgrade other North Korean airports, such as Manpo and Sinuiju

North Korea has several airports, including Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, which has two terminals, one for international flights and the other for domestic flights. The airport has all the basic amenities one might need during their visit and is spotless, lacking the aesthetic oddness in its construction that is common in most of the country's construction projects.

While commercial aviation in North Korea is practically non-existent outside of Pyongyang Sunan International Airport and a few other airports that receive irregular service by Air Koryo, the country's state carrier, there are plans to upgrade other airports to international standards.

Upgrades are planned for North Korean airports such as Manpo and Sinuiju. Sinuiju, the provincial capital city of North Pyongan Province, is the main overland port of entry for tourists and foreign trade. It has grown substantially due to its importance to international trade, especially with China. The city has a rich history, with monuments dedicated to the country's leaders and museums devoted to the history of revolutionary activity in the area. Sinuiju has also seen recent redevelopment, with the construction of a unique circular building and the completion of the Sinuiju Youth Open-Air Theatre in 2020.

In 2018, Kim Jong Un inspected redevelopment plans for Sinuiju City, which included a larger, more modern city with high-rise buildings, grand avenues, a sports district, and industrial space. However, as of 2021, little progress had been made on the redevelopment project. It is unclear if the planned upgrades to the Sinuiju Airport are part of this master plan or a separate initiative.

Manpo Airport, on the other hand, is currently little more than a widened section of highway that appears to be for emergency or backup use only. It is not known if this airport will be upgraded to a fully functioning commercial airport or simply improved for continued military or emergency use.

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