List of Airports in North Korea
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of North Korea according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in North Korea are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in North Korea
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunan Airport | FNJ | Pyongyang | Small |
Major Airports in North Korea
1. Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
Airport Code:
FNJ
Time Zone:
Korean Standard Time (KST) – UTC +9
Address:
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, Pyongyang, North Korea
Nearby Cities:
- Pyongyang – 8 miles
- Sunan – 3 miles
- Kangdong – 15 miles
- Kaesong – 42 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Koryo (North Korea’s national carrier)
- Air China
- Iran Air
- Russian Airlines (including Aeroflot)
- China Eastern Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 500,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport is located in Sunan, a district about 8 miles from Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. The airport serves as the main international and domestic gateway to North Korea, handling a range of flights from both domestic carriers and foreign airlines. The airport has a strategic significance for the country, linking North Korea to its closest international partners, particularly China, Russia, and Iran.
The airport opened in 1961 under the name Pyongyang International Airport, and its facilities were significantly expanded over the years. One of the most notable upgrades occurred in the 1980s, when the airport’s main terminal was modernized and a second runway was added. The most recent expansion took place in 2015, when the airport underwent significant renovations, including the construction of a new terminal designed to accommodate growing numbers of foreign visitors, diplomats, and high-ranking officials.
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport is known for its stark and somewhat utilitarian design, with minimal amenities compared to major global airports. It is one of the few airports in the world where commercial passenger traffic is still somewhat limited, due to the country’s isolationist policies and political climate. Despite this, the airport remains an essential link between North Korea and the outside world, catering to foreign dignitaries, aid workers, and a select group of international tourists.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The airport features a single runway and basic facilities suitable for handling regional and international flights.
- Runway 1: Length 12,139 feet (3,700 meters)
The runway is long enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A330, making it capable of handling long-haul flights. The airport’s infrastructure includes a recently renovated terminal that caters to both foreign and domestic flights, although the facilities are considered basic compared to international standards.
The terminal offers essential services such as customs, baggage handling, and currency exchange, but the amenities are minimal. There are limited food and shopping options, and the overall passenger experience is often described as spartan. The airport is also equipped with a VIP lounge, which is used by high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries.
Despite its relatively low passenger traffic, the airport is capable of handling a wide range of aircraft, and it plays a central role in North Korea’s transportation infrastructure.
2. Sinuiju Airport
Airport Code:
SUI
Time Zone:
Korean Standard Time (KST) – UTC +9
Address:
Sinuiju Airport, Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, North Korea
Nearby Cities:
- Sinuiju – 1 mile
- Hyesan – 120 miles
- Pyongyang – 105 miles
- Dandong (China) – 1 mile (border city)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Koryo
- China Eastern Airlines
- Air China
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 50,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Sinuiju Airport is located in the northern part of North Korea, close to the border with China, in the city of Sinuiju. This airport primarily serves regional flights, including connections with Pyongyang and Dandong, a major Chinese city across the Yalu River. The airport’s strategic location near the border allows it to facilitate cross-border travel and trade between North Korea and China, two of the country’s most important international partners.
The airport was established during the Korean War in the 1950s but was not fully operational until the 1960s. Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades to accommodate both military and civilian aircraft. The most recent improvements have focused on enhancing passenger facilities and upgrading the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
Sinuiju Airport plays an important role in connecting the northern region of North Korea to China, especially for business, diplomatic, and trade purposes. While it does not see as much traffic as Pyongyang Sunan, it is still a key part of North Korea’s international airport network. There is little to no commercial tourism at Sinuiju Airport, as most foreign visitors are government officials, aid workers, and businesspeople engaged in Sino-North Korean relations.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Sinuiju Airport is a small, regional airport with basic infrastructure suitable for domestic and short international flights.
- Runway 1: Length 8,200 feet (2,500 meters)
The runway is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, though it may be too short for some wide-body aircraft. The terminal is modest, with only basic amenities available for passengers, including customs and immigration facilities. The airport does not offer extensive shopping or dining options, and services are geared primarily toward travelers on business or government-related trips.
While it has a smaller capacity compared to Pyongyang Sunan International, the airport is a critical component of the country’s regional transportation infrastructure. Ground transportation options are available for visitors, including taxis and private vehicles arranged by local accommodations.
3. Wonsan Kalma International Airport
Airport Code:
WOS
Time Zone:
Korean Standard Time (KST) – UTC +9
Address:
Wonsan Kalma International Airport, Wonsan, Kangwon Province, North Korea
Nearby Cities:
- Wonsan – 3 miles
- Sariwon – 45 miles
- Pyongyang – 120 miles
- Kaesong – 160 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Koryo
- North Korean military flights
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 20,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Located in Wonsan, a coastal city in Kangwon Province, Wonsan Kalma International Airport is a relatively small airport that has seen increased focus in recent years due to its location and strategic importance. Historically, it was used primarily for domestic flights, but in recent years, there have been attempts to develop it into an international gateway.
The airport has undergone significant renovations since 2015, with new terminals and infrastructure added to attract both tourism and international trade. However, despite these improvements, the airport still remains a secondary entry point for the country, with most international traffic going through Pyongyang.
Wonsan has long been a popular location for North Korea’s elite, with beautiful coastal views and a temperate climate. The airport plays an important role in facilitating domestic travel to this scenic area, particularly for high-ranking government officials and military personnel. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, is known to have visited the airport on several occasions.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Wonsan Kalma International Airport is equipped with one runway, designed to handle small and medium-sized aircraft.
- Runway 1: Length 9,500 feet (2,900 meters)
The runway length is sufficient for medium-sized jets like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 but would likely be too short for large, wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380. The airport is equipped with a newly renovated terminal, though it remains basic in terms of amenities and passenger services.
The terminal includes customs and immigration services, a small waiting area, and a limited number of shops. The airport does not cater to large-scale commercial traffic, and most passengers are on government or military-related travel. Although the facilities are modest, the airport plays a key role in connecting Wonsan with Pyongyang and other parts of North Korea.
4. Rason Airport (Rajin)
Airport Code:
RJN
Time Zone:
Korean Standard Time (KST) – UTC +9
Address:
Rason Airport, Rajin, Rason Special Economic Zone, North Korea
Nearby Cities:
- Rajin – 2 miles
- Rason – 4 miles
- Hunchun (China) – 15 miles
- Pyongyang – 230 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Koryo
- Chinese airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Rason Airport, located in the Rason Special Economic Zone in the far northeastern part of North Korea, is a small regional airport that primarily serves the Rajin-Sonbong area. Its location near the Chinese and Russian borders makes it a strategic hub for trade and business between North Korea and its neighboring countries.
The airport was constructed to facilitate international trade and tourism, particularly to attract investment into the Rason Economic Zone, which is one of the few areas in North Korea allowed to engage in limited free-market activity. It has seen limited development compared to larger airports in the country, but efforts are ongoing to upgrade its facilities and attract more international flights.
Rason Airport has limited connectivity, with most flights arriving from China. It serves a small number of passengers, mainly businessmen, government officials, and trade representatives. Despite its strategic importance for the local economy, the airport does not cater to large-scale tourism or international flights due to the region’s political and economic restrictions.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Rason Airport has a basic infrastructure with a single runway, capable of handling smaller aircraft.
- Runway 1: Length 7,200 feet (2,200 meters)
The runway is sufficient for handling medium-sized aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. However, it is not designed to accommodate large wide-body aircraft, limiting its capacity for international flights. The airport terminal is minimal, with few amenities for passengers.
Despite its limited capacity, Rason Airport plays an important role in North Korea’s efforts to promote trade and tourism in the northeastern region, though its passenger traffic remains low due to the country’s isolation.
