North Korea, which has officially declared South Korea an “enemy state,” reportedly attempted to sever the inter-Korean aviation hotline last year, following its demolition of key land routes between the two countries.
According to South Korea’s Ministry of Unification on February 12, North Korea informed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2024 that it intended to terminate the direct aviation communication line between the two Koreas starting in 2025.
However, due to South Korea’s persistent diplomatic efforts in coordination with ICAO, the aviation hotline remains operational, the ministry confirmed.
The inter-Korean aviation communication line was established in 1997 as part of an agreement between the two governments to ensure safe air traffic control over the Korean Peninsula.
Despite multiple political crises over the years, the aviation hotline has never been severed, making North Korea’s attempt to discontinue it particularly unusual.
North Korea has been actively dismantling inter-Korean ties since late 2023, after it officially declared South Korea an enemy state. The regime has scrapped policies on inter-Korean unity and destroyed key land routes, including the Gyeongui Line and Donghae Line rail and road connections, as part of broader efforts to cut ties with Seoul.
The Ministry of Unification emphasized that the aviation hotline is essential for ensuring air safety and maintaining inter-Korean agreements.
“The direct aviation communication line between the two Koreas must be maintained to support safe flight operations and uphold past agreements,” the ministry stated. “The South Korean government will continue working closely with relevant organizations to prevent any aviation safety risks.”
The ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for regulating global aviation safety, has both North Korea and South Korea as member states.
Although there is no direct air traffic between the two Koreas, the hotline remains technically active as a contingency measure.
The last known use of the aviation hotline occurred in January 2018, when an Asiana Airlines charter flight transported South Korean athletes to North Korea’s Wonsan Kalma Airport for a joint ski training program at Masikryong Ski Resort.
North Korea previously demolished the inter-Korean land routes on October 17, 2024, claiming the action was in accordance with constitutional revisions that define South Korea as a hostile state.
At the time, North Korean state media reported that the destruction of the Gyeongui and Donghae Line road connections was carried out in line with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) constitution, which mandates a complete severance of ties with South Korea.
BY JAESUNG BAE, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
