April 9, 2025, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Recent satellite images indicate that Uiju has returned to full operational status with Il-28 aircraft redeployed at the airbase previously used for rail freight quarantine facility during COVID-19... Closeup of the restored Uiju Airbase, with seven Il-28/H-5 light bombers on parking apron, March…
November 15, 2021, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Over 16 months after its shutdown of the border with China to prevent COVID transmission, North Korea has seen delays in its efforts to re-open commerce with its primary trade partner. The conversion of Uiju Airbase into a disinfection facility started in early 2021, but the most recent satellite imagery as of November 12 shows no signs of being operational, indicating a delay of at least six months from its original opening plans. Smaller-scale disinfection facilities at other crossings appear to be in development.