Flights to Bhutan, and how to get there
Almost everyone flies into Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only international airport, on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights connect Paro with Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Singapore (via Guwahati), Dhaka, Guwahati and Dubai. From the US or Europe, fly to one of these hubs first, then connect to Paro.
- Airport
- Paro (PBH)
- Airlines
- Druk Air · Bhutan Airlines
- Main hubs
- Bangkok · Delhi · Kathmandu
- Land borders
- Phuentsholing · Gelephu · Samdrup Jongkhar
Which airlines fly to Bhutan?
Two Bhutanese airlines fly into Paro: Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the national carrier, and the private Bhutan Airlines. Schedules are published a few months ahead and change seasonally, so we confirm current flights when you book.
| From | Airline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (Thailand) | Druk Air · Bhutan Airlines | Daily; some flights stop in Kolkata or Guwahati |
| Delhi (India) | Druk Air · Bhutan Airlines | Several flights a week |
| Kolkata (India) | Druk Air · Bhutan Airlines | Daily |
| Kathmandu (Nepal) | Druk Air · Bhutan Airlines | Daily; spectacular Himalayan views |
| Singapore | Druk Air | Three times a week via Guwahati |
| Dhaka (Bangladesh) | Druk Air | A few times a week |
| Guwahati · Bagdogra · Gaya (India) | Druk Air | Guwahati regularly; Bagdogra and Gaya seasonal |
| Dubai (UAE) | Druk Air | Twice weekly |
How to get to Bhutan from the US or Europe
There are no direct flights from North America or Europe. Fly to Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore, Dubai or Kathmandu on a major airline, then connect to Paro on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. Most travellers overnight at the hub, because Paro flights leave early in the morning and connections are tight.
Combining Bhutan with Nepal? The Kathmandu–Paro flight is one of the most beautiful in the world. See our Nepal journey.
Landing at Paro Airport
Paro sits in a narrow valley at about 2,200 metres, ringed by peaks, and only specially trained pilots are certified to land there. Flights operate in daylight and visual conditions. The approach weaves between forested ridges, close enough to see farmhouses on the slopes. On the Kathmandu flight, ask for a seat on the left for views of the high Himalayas.
Domestic flights inside Bhutan
Bhutan has three small domestic airports: Bathpalathang near Jakar in Bumthang, Yongphulla near Trashigang in the east, and Gelephu in the south. Druk Air flies to them from Paro, and the flights are short. Paro to Bumthang takes about half an hour, instead of two days on the road.
They're a good way to save time on a longer trip, especially if you want to see central or eastern Bhutan but only have ten days. The catch is that there aren't many flights, schedules change from season to season, and small planes don't fly in bad weather. We only build a domestic flight into an itinerary when it's confirmed, and we always keep the road as a backup.
For most first trips you won't need one. The drive east from Punakha over the passes to Bumthang is one of the best parts of seeing the country.
Entering Bhutan by land
Visitors can also enter overland from India at Phuentsholing, Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar. Our eastern journeys end at Samdrup Jongkhar and continue to Guwahati airport in India. Most non-Indian travellers need an Indian visa for that route, which you apply for online yourself; we help with everything else.
Flights to Bhutan FAQs
Your questions, answered
Still wondering about something? Ask our Thimphu team directly. We're happy to help.
Ask us on WhatsAppOnly two: Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines, both flying into Paro. International airlines connect you to their hubs in Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Singapore and Dubai.
Fly to Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore or Dubai on a major airline, usually overnight there, then take a Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro. We can help book the Paro connection with your tour.
Only two small airlines serve Paro, with limited seats and short, specialised routes into a mountain airport. Booking early, especially for spring and autumn, gives the best choice of flights.
Yes, from India at Phuentsholing, Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar. You still need your visa approval in advance.
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