Drukair: What Passengers Say About the Flight to Paro, One of the Most Spectacular in the World

History and positioning

Drukair, also known as Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the state-owned flag carrier of Bhutan, in operation since 1981. It is one of the very few carriers in the world authorized to operate at Paro airport, surrounded by Himalayan peaks, an approval that requires specific pilot training and makes this airline an almost unique case in civil aviation.

Routes and network

The routes link Paro to Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Delhi, as well as limited domestic services, constrained by the scarcity of usable airports in Bhutan's mountainous terrain. The number of frequencies remains low on many of these routes, reflecting both limited demand and the Bhutanese tourism policy geared toward controlled tourism.

The fleet

The fleet is sized to the country's limited demand: three Airbus A319s, one A320neo delivered in 2020 and one ATR42-600 for the shorter domestic links. In 2024 the airline signed an agreement to buy new A320neos and the larger A321XLRs, with deliveries, however, not expected before 2030.

On board and service

Business class service is judged to be of a high standard, with comfortable seats and attentive staff on the longer routes, while the welcome on board reflects Bhutan's carefully cultivated tourist image, aimed at upscale rather than mass tourism.

What those who have flown with it say

• The approach to Paro described as one of the most striking scenic flying experiences in the world, with Himalayan peaks at close range.
• Business class service judged to be of a high standard, with comfortable seats and attentive staff on the longer routes.
• A welcome on board consistent with Bhutan's carefully cultivated tourist image, aimed at upscale tourism.

Things to consider before flying

• A limited number of frequencies on many routes, with less flexibility as a result if you need to change flights.
• Fares generally higher than the regional average, partly tied to the Bhutanese tourism policy that focuses on limited, high-quality tourism.
• Flights subject to cancellation because of adverse weather at Paro airport, which requires optimal visibility for landing.

Drukair is almost a necessary step for anyone visiting Bhutan by air, and it is particularly suited to those who want to experience the landing at Paro as part of the travel experience itself. It is less suitable for those with an itinerary involving very tight onward connections, given the possibility of sudden weather cancellations.

Book your flight to Paro with a few days of margin before any important international connection: cancellations due to fog or wind are a real possibility at this airport, not a remote exception.