Bhutan airport/Paro airport

Bhutan airport/Paro international airport

Paro International Airport: Your Gateway to Bhutan

Paro International Airport (PBH) is the sole international airport in Bhutan, serving as the primary gateway for travellers seeking to explore this enchanting Himalayan kingdom. Located just 6 kilometres from Paro town, this airport is nestled in a breathtaking valley surrounded by towering peaks, some reaching heights of 5,500 meters (18,000 feet).

How to Fly into Bhutan

When considering how to fly into Bhutan, it’s essential to know that Paro International Airport is serviced exclusively by two airlines: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Tashi Air (Bhutan Airlines).

These airlines offer flights from major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangladesh (Dhaka), Kathmandu, Bangkok and Singapore.

Drukair operates flights to various destinations including Bagdogra, Gaya, and Dhaka, while Tashi Air connects Paro with cities like Delhi and Bangkok. Flights to Paro are restricted to daylight hours and can only operate under visual meteorological conditions. This means that all arrivals must occur before sunset, making it crucial for travelers to plan their flights accordingly.

Unique Features of Paro International Airport

  1. Challenging Landings: Paro International Airport is renowned for being one of the most challenging airports in the world due to its unique geographical location. Only a select group of pilots are certified to land here, adding an element of adventure to your travel experience.
  2. Single Runway and Terminal: The airport features a single asphalt runway measuring 1,964 meters (6,445 feet) and one passenger terminal. Despite its small size, it efficiently handles both domestic and international flights.
  3. Accessibility: The airport is easily accessible by road, located just a short drive from Paro town and about 54 kilometres from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
  4. Facilities: Paro International Airport offers essential amenities including duty-free shops, restaurants, and taxi services for arriving passengers.

Booking Your Flight

To ensure a smooth journey into Bhutan, it’s advisable to book your flights in advance due to the limited number of seats available on these routes. Additionally, consider flying during the off-peak season for better rates and availability.

Conclusion

Flying at Paro International Airport is not just about reaching your destination; it’s an integral part of the Bhutanese experience. The stunning views during your descent into the valley set the stage for an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful country.

Whether you’re planning to visit iconic sites like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or explore the vibrant culture of Thimphu, understanding how to navigate your arrival at Paro will enhance your travel experience.

Paro international airport

#Gelephu Airport

Gelephu Airport is situated in Samtenling gewog of Gelephu in the south. It is three kilometers from the main town Gelephu located in the Sarpang district. Constructed in 2008, the airport was meant to be an international airport, but due to financial and logistical reasons it could not be. The airport, spanning 500 acres was inaugurated in October 2012 but regular scheduled flights were delayed till 2017 because of lack of certification from the Department of Civil Aviation of
Bhutan and also due to funding issues. Though the airport was originally planned as an international airport the plan was shelved in 2008. Regular flights eventually recommenced in November 2017 with financial support from the government. The airport hosts only one airline, Drukair, the national carrier which flies to and from Paro and Jakar.

#Bathpalathang Airport

Bathpalathang airport is located five kilometers from Jakar town. It was constructed in 2011. It is the newest airport in Bhutan and in the beginning had flights only to Paro. It got suspended in 2012 but was recently reopened for use. Both the airlines operate from here: 

Bhutan Airlines flies to and from Thimpu/ Paro, and Drukair flies to Paro and Gelephu as well. Both the airlines also conducted inaugural flights to Bathpalathang on December 17, 2011. The airport suspended operations in July 2012 due to runway damage but since then, it has opened to a curtailed number of flights.

#Yongphula Airport

Yongphula Airport, constructed in 2010, lies 20km from the eastern district of Trashigang. It was originally constructed by the Indian army in the 1960s, had only one airstrip, and was mostly unused. Yongphula airport was inaugurated in December 2011 but it remained closed till January 2013 due to runaway repairs. In October 2013, it was once again closed due to lack of fire service cover and airstrip damages but it finally recommenced service in 2017. Yonghula airport
is currently in use. The airport is on its way to becoming an international airport. Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights from Yongphula to Paro and Jakar.

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