Flights to Bhutan

Indian Border Roads Organization called DAN TAK built an airstrip in the Paro Valley in 1968. The airstrip was used for helicopter operations by the Indian Armed Forces for Bhutan Government.  The First carrier Druk Air was established by Royal Charter on 5 April 1981. The first 18-seat Dornier 228-200 landed at Paro Airport on 14 January 1983. Druk Air inaugurated scheduled revenue flights to Bhutan on 11 February 1983 by Druk Air Flight No. 101 departing from Paro to Kolkata and returning the next day as Flight No.102.

Druk Air started flights to Bhutan from Dhaka in Bangladesh on 30 October 1986. Bhutan government bought BAe 146 at US$25 million. In 1988 operational base was shifted from Kolkata to Paro Airport. After the introduction of the BAE 146, Druk Air was able to stretch the network to Delhi on 26 November 1988, Bangkok on 28 January 1989, and Kathmandu in April 1989. The first Airbus A319 arrived in Bhutan on 19 October 2004.

General guidance on how to find flights to Bhutan.

Search Engines:

You can use flight search engines like Google Flights, Expedia, Kayak, Skyscanner,  or Momondo to find available flights to Bhutan. Key in your departure city and destination (Paro International Airport, PBH) along with your travel dates to see available flight options. No other International flights fly in and out from Paro. Use Druk Air Bhutan Airlines applications to check out availability and flight schedule including Fare.

Airlines:

Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair, operates flights to and from Paro International Airport, connecting Bhutan with several international destinations like Kathmandu(Nepal), Bangkok(Thailand), New Delhi, Kolkatta, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya (India), Singapore, Dacca(Bangladesh). Some other airlines may also have codeshare agreements or charter flights to Bhutan with clearance from the Avaiation of Bhutan.

Local Tour Agency:

Consider contacting Bhutan Tour Agency agencies that specialize in trips to Bhutan. They can help you find suitable flight options and assist with planning your entire trip to the country with a complete Tour Package.

Visa and Permits:

Keep in mind that Bhutan has a unique policy of requiring tourists to obtain a visa and book their trip through a licensed tour operator. The tour operator will handle your visa application and arrange your itinerary, which will include your flights to and from Bhutan.

Flight Availability:

Flights to Bhutan can be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to book your flights and tour package well in advance to secure your travel arrangements.

Before finalizing your travel plans, I recommend checking the latest travel guidelines and entry requirements for Bhutan, as policies and restrictions may have changed since my last update in September 2021. Additionally, always double-check the information on official airline websites or consult with reputable travel agents for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Druk Air flights

Until 23 August 2010, Druk Air was the only airline flying into Bhutan. In October 2009, the Bhutanese government completed construction works of an airstrip in Yongphulla for a domestic airport, which stretches 1,200 m in length. In 2006 the Indian government and Bhutanese government conducted a feasibility study into the viability of an international airport near the southern Bhutanese town of Gelephu which ultimately landed with a domestic airport. Druk Air is currently conducting feasibility studies into the commencement of operations in either Hong Kong or Singapore by 2013.

Drukair only national airline of Bhutan and the Private Airline Tashi Air or Bhutan Airlines now flies to Batpalathang domestic airport in Bumthang and Yonphula domestic airport in Tashigang.

Private Air Tashi Air(Bhutan Airlines)

Tashi Air is the only private Airline that has been approved by the Department of civil aviation to operate domestic air service in the country along with the DrukAir- Royal Bhutan Airlines., which operates flights to Bhutan from other destinations. Tashi Air operates domestic air with a new self-owned PC-12 which is a single-engine turboprop passenger and cargo aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Tashi Air also plans to buy a new Airbus 319 or 320 and operate International air services flights to Bhutan from following sectors like Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangkok, and Kathmandu by 2013. Bhutan Airlines or Tashi Airlines offers chartered flights and long mountain flights in Bhutan.

Government Regulate Airlines

The government regulates civil aviation through the “Department of Civil Aviation”. The Department is responsible for the promotion of the aviation sector in Bhutan, Airport Development and Management, and Providing Air Navigation services. The Department is currently headed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation and is under the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Druk Air –Bhutan Airlines operates flights to Bhutan from different destinations. Please find below Druk air flights to Bhutan with different cities.

Domestic Flights

In Bhutan, we have domestic flights to different regions. Only Druk Air is in operation. The Eastern part of Bhutan is connected by Druk Air at Yongphula domestic airport. Central Bhutan is connected by Druk Air at Bathpalathang(Bumthang) domestic airport.

Both Domestic airports are smoothly in operation due to tourist inflow and outflow towards that region from Paro Airport. Southern Bhutan bordering India is connected by Druk Air at Gelephu Airport. The airport is non-operational now due to runaway and market demand.

Druk Air’s  Destinations

Flights to Bhutan time taken from different places within Bhutan and outside Bhutan

Druk Airfare in US$-Flights to Bhutan (In-out) in Economy class

Druk Air fare in US$-Flights to Bhutan (In-out)

Druk Airfare for Bhutanese and Indians with valid documents –flights to Bhutan (in-out) 

Note: Druk Air flights to Bhutan (in-out) pertaining to change without prior notice.