Air KoryoJS

Air Koryo is the flag carrier and only airline of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), founded in 1950 as SOKAO and rebranded as Chosonminhang Korean Airways in 1954, before adopting its current name in 1992. The airline is headquartered in Pyongyang and wholly owned by the North Korean government.

Air Koryo holds the distinction of being the world's only 1-star rated airline according to Skytrax, a rating it has held for several years. However, this rating should be understood in context: it reflects limited international routes, an aging fleet, and restricted access for rating agencies rather than necessarily indicating unsafe operations. The airline maintains its aircraft to operational standards and has an acceptable safety record for a carrier of its size.

Due to international sanctions and North Korea's political isolation, Air Koryo operates one of the world's most limited international route networks. Regular scheduled service is largely confined to Beijing, with seasonal or charter flights to Vladivostok and occasionally Shenyang. The airline primarily serves as a transportation link for approved visitors to the DPRK, including tourists traveling with authorized tour operators, diplomats, and business travelers.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 8" (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
• Weight limit: 5 kg (11 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead compartment

A small personal item such as a handbag or small backpack is also permitted.

Checked Baggage

Air Koryo uses the weight concept system common among Asian and Eastern European carriers.

Class	Weight Allowance	Notes
Economy	23 kg (50 lbs)	Standard international allowance
Business	32 kg (70 lbs)	Limited availability

Size Limits:

• Maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm / 62 inches (length + width + height)
• Individual bags should not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) for handling

Excess Baggage

Excess baggage is charged per kilogram over your allowance. Fees are typically calculated in EUR or CNY depending on the route. Due to limited aircraft capacity, excess baggage space may be restricted.

Special Items

Item	Policy	Notes
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aid	Free	Advance notice required
Sports equipment	Contact airline	Subject to availability
Musical instruments	Contact airline	Advance arrangement required

Prohibited Items: Beyond standard aviation restrictions, North Korean authorities impose strict controls on items entering the DPRK. Prohibited items include:

• Professional cameras with large telephoto lenses (tourist cameras generally permitted)
• GPS devices
• Satellite phones
• Publications critical of North Korea
• Religious materials for proselytizing purposes

Consult your tour operator for current import restrictions before packing.

Air Koryo operates a mixed fleet including Tupolev Tu-204 jets for international routes and Soviet-era aircraft including Antonov An-148 and IL-62M for domestic and charter operations.

Business Class (Tu-204):

• Seat pitch: Approximately 38-40 inches (97-102 cm)
• Seat width: 20 inches (51 cm)
• Recliner seats
• Priority boarding
• Enhanced meal service
• Limited availability (small cabin section)

Economy Class (Tu-204):

• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Seat width: 17-18 inches (43-46 cm)
• Standard recline
• Complimentary meals on all flights
• Basic beverage service

Catering: All flights include complimentary meals and beverages. Service typically includes:

• Korean dishes (bibimbap, Korean-style preparations)
• Cold cuts, bread, and simple international options
• Koryo Air Burger (the airline's signature burger, available for purchase on some flights)
• North Korean beer (Taedonggang) - a highlight for many passengers
• Soft drinks and water

The food quality is basic but adequate. The North Korean beer is considered excellent by many travelers.

Entertainment:

• No seatback entertainment screens
• In-flight magazine featuring DPRK content
• Some flights show North Korean documentaries or music performances on overhead screens
• Bring your own entertainment devices (though note content restrictions when entering DPRK)

The Experience: Flying Air Koryo is often described as "stepping back in time." The service style, cabin aesthetics, and overall experience reflect a different era of aviation. Flight attendants wear traditional uniforms and provide polite, if somewhat formal, service. Many travelers choose Air Koryo specifically for the unique cultural experience rather than comfort or efficiency.

Booking:

• Book through a licensed DPRK tour operator, not directly with the airline
• Beijing-Pyongyang is the most reliable route; plan around this connection
• Allow buffer days in Beijing in case of schedule changes
• Train service (Beijing-Pyongyang, approximately 24 hours) is an alternative if flights are unavailable

Before You Travel:

• US passport holders are currently prohibited from traveling to North Korea
• Check your government's travel advisories; many countries advise against DPRK travel
• Travel insurance coverage for North Korea is limited; verify your policy
• Inform your embassy but note consular services are severely limited in DPRK

At the Airport:

• Arrive early for check-in; document verification takes time
• Have all tour paperwork easily accessible
• Be polite and patient with officials

The Flight:

• Try the Taedonggang beer - it's genuinely good
• The Air Koryo burger has cult status among DPRK travelers
• Window seats offer views of the Korean Peninsula
• Photography of the aircraft is permitted and makes for unique souvenirs

Currency:

• Air Koryo accepts EUR and CNY for onboard purchases
• USD may be accepted but EUR is preferred
• North Korean Won (KPW) is not accessible to foreign tourists for most transactions

Fleet & Safety:

• The Tu-204 jets used for Beijing flights are the airline's most modern aircraft
• Older Soviet-era aircraft may be used on domestic routes
• The airline maintains its aircraft to operational standards
• The 1-star Skytrax rating reflects service limitations, not necessarily safety concerns

What to Expect:

• Service is basic but functional
• The experience is more about the journey than luxury
• Flight attendants are professional and polite
• In-flight magazine and content reflect DPRK perspectives
• Expect a unique aviation experience unlike any other

Sanctions & Restrictions: Air Koryo operates under various international sanctions that limit:

• Routes available (mostly Beijing only)
• Ability to purchase new aircraft or parts
• International banking relationships
• Partnerships with other airlines

These restrictions significantly impact the airline's operations and should be factored into travel planning.

The Reality: Air Koryo exists primarily to serve the limited number of tourists and business travelers entering North Korea. For most travelers, flying Air Koryo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience chosen specifically for its uniqueness rather than convenience or comfort. Approach it as part of the broader North Korea travel experience rather than expecting standard airline service.