Pakistan, July 27 -- Russia has begun operating direct passenger flights from Moscow to Pyongyang for the first time in nearly three decades, strengthening ties with North Korea amid rising global tensions. The move follows the restart of rail services between the two capitals in June, ending a long pause in travel links that dated back to the mid-1990s.

The first flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, took off from Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow on Sunday evening. The eight-hour journey is being run on a Boeing 777-200ER, which can carry up to 440 passengers. According to Russia's RIA news , tickets were priced from 44,700 roubles ($563), and the inaugural flight was sold out.

Although Nordwind Airlines has permission to fly twice a we...