North Korea has indicated that it will cut the channels operated for air traffic control cooperation between the North and South starting this year.
The Ministry of Unification noted on the 12th, "North Korea expressed its intention not to operate a direct telephone line for air traffic control between the North and South through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) starting in 2025." It added, "The government has consistently communicated the need to maintain the direct telephone line in collaboration with the ICAO, and the direct telephone line is currently operating normally."
The direct telephone line for air traffic control between the North and South is a channel for connecting air traffic moving between the North and South, consolidated according to an agreement between the two sides in 1997 between the Daegu Air Traffic Control Center and the Pyongyang Air Traffic Control Center. Currently, there are no flights moving on the North-South route, so it is not actively used; however, provided for network maintenance, a currency exchange takes place daily at 7 a.m., according to a Ministry of Unification official.
North Korea has blocked communication channels between the North and South, including the Panmunjom channel and military communication lines, and has attempted to cut the direct telephone line for air traffic control as well, but it is uncertain whether North Korea has completely abandoned its intention to suspend operations.
The Ministry of Unification stated, "The direct telephone line for air traffic control between the North and South should be maintained to support safe air operations and to comply with agreements between the North and South," adding, "The government will coordinate closely with relevant agencies to ensure there are no issues with aviation safety."