Chinese state media say its flagship carrier Air China will temporarily halt flights between Beijing and Pyongyang from Monday.

China's CCTV said flights on this route have often been canceled due to a lack of passengers, but it didn't give a specific reason for the temporary suspension. It's unclear when the suspension will be lifted.

A Seoul-based news agency said the move is considered an attempt to prevent North Korea from waging more provocations amid already high tensions on the Korean Peninsula. 

The suspension leaves Air Koryo, North Korea's state-run carrier, as the only company flying between Pyongyang and Beijing.

Air China launched its Pyongyang-Beijing route in 2008, flying three days a week. 

The last flight from Pyongyang arrived in Bejing at 6 p.m. Friday.

[Photo : ]