Russian reporter recounts 10 hours stuck at North Korean airport

Sputnik news agency reporters spent 10 hours anxiously waiting at the airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, on April 17, when flights from there to Russia and China were delayed.

The waiting room inside Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea. Photo: Sputnik

More than 100 international passengers, who were invited to attend the 105th anniversary of the birth of North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and were on their way back home, were stranded at Sunan International Airport in the capital Pyongyang, North Korea, according to Sputnik.

In addition to flights to Russia and China, a domestic flight from Uiju to Pyongyang was also delayed.

The office of Air Koryo, North Korea's only airline, said the delay was due to bad weather. However, according to Sputnik's correspondent, the sky over Pyongyang was completely clear at the time. Air Koryo did not give any other explanation. Passengers were asked to stay in the airport.

CNN reporter visits Pyongyang International Airport in 2015

Given the lack of information, speculation has been rife. Many have suggested that the flight delay may be related to Pyongyang’s latest ballistic missile launch. Others suspect that North Korea is closing its airspace in preparation for a new missile test.

To date, none of the hypotheses have been verified, but in the end, all passengers successfully boarded the plane and ended the journey safely after 10 hours of being stuck.

A stall inside the airport. Photo: Sputnik

Despite the tense atmosphere at the airport after the flight delay, foreign passengers still took time to explore the cafes and stalls inside the airport. Some sat on chairs, others lay on the floor.

Many pass the time by buying gifts, gadgets, clothes, even computers from stores, all labeled “made in North Korea.” They buy so much that the shopkeepers quickly run out of change and are forced to use chewing gum to give back to customers.

In addition, all passengers are given mineral water and hamburgers by the airline while waiting.

North Korea parades to celebrate leader's birthday

According to VNE