North Korea has reportedly agreed to allow experts from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to conduct an on-site inspection to ensure the safety of flights flying above the country.

During an official visit to North Korea in May this year, ICAO members received assurance from North Korean officials that the country would not conduct test-firings of long-range missiles and other activities that are dangerous to civil aviation without informing other nations in the regions.

Based on the assurance, ICAO is planning to send its team to North Korea next year to check the measures taken by the country to keep its promise.

Last year, North Korea carried out several unannounced tests that endangered the aircraft flying in the region.

“ICAO is planning to send its team to North Korea next year to check the measures taken by the country to keep its promise.”

However, the country has reportedly not conducted any tests in recent months after its relationship with neighbouring South Korea and the US improved.

During the inspection, ICAO intends to visit North Korea’s aviation authorities and interview people in charge to confirm the country’s compliance with ICAO regulations related to the safety of global aviation.

According to ICAO, surprise missile launches violate global aviation rules. The inspection will focus on why North Korea repeatedly violated the rules.

ICAO conducted its last inspection in North Korea in 2008, but the review did not focus on missile launches.