Russia just launched its first-ever direct flight from Moscow to Pyongyang, marking a notable step in strengthening relations with North Korea. The flight, which departed Sunday evening, signals closer ties between the two nations, both of which are increasingly isolated from the West.

Russia and North Korea are finally getting a direct air link—but don’t expect a bustling route just yet. The first flights between Moscow and Pyongyang in over seven decades will run just once a month, with tickets costing around $570. It’s a symbolic step, framed as a milestone in their long diplomatic relationship, but the limited schedule and steep price tag suggest it’s more about political optics than practical travel.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about convenience for travelers—it’s a small but telling move in the broader chessboard of global politics. Direct flights between isolated North Korea and Russia, which has faced its own international isolation over Ukraine, hint at tighter ties between the two. Whether this leads to more cooperation (or more scrutiny from the West) is worth watching. For now, though, it’s mostly a curiosity—unless you’re one of the few willing to shell out for that monthly ticket.