How to Fly to Bhutan: A Traveler’s Guide?

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fly to Bhutan, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.

1. Understand Bhutan’s Entry Requirements

• Tourism policy – All international visitors (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners.
  
• Visa – Your tour operator will arrange a visa for you after you pay the trip cost, which includes Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
  
• Travel insurance – Required for entry.
  

2. Choose Your Entry Airport

Bhutan has only one international airport:

• Paro International Airport (PBH) – Nestled between mountains, it’s one of the world’s most scenic — and challenging — airports to land in.
  

There are a few domestic airports (Bumthang, Gelephu, Yonphula), but you’ll need to first enter through Paro.

3. Find Airlines That Fly to Bhutan

Currently, two Bhutanese airlines operate all international flights:

1. Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
   
2. Bhutan Airlines
   

They fly from select cities in Asia, including:

• India: Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra
  
• Nepal: Kathmandu
  
• Thailand: Bangkok
  
• Bangladesh: Dhaka
  
• Singapore (limited schedule)
  

Tip: These flights often have breathtaking Himalayan views — choose a window seat on the left side when flying into Bhutan from Kathmandu for a chance to see Mount Everest.

4. Plan Your Route

Since no flights come directly from Europe, the Americas, Africa, or Oceania, you’ll need a connection through a nearby hub such as:

• Bangkok (BKK)
  
• Delhi (DEL)
  
• Kolkata (CCU)
  
• Kathmandu (KTM)
  
• Singapore (SIN)
  

5. Book Through Your Tour Operator

Because your visa is linked to your tour booking, most travelers:

1. Contact a Bhutanese tour operator.
   
2. Select a package (usually all-inclusive: guides, hotels, meals, permits, and transport).
   
3. Have the operator book your Paro flights — easier than doing it yourself since seats can be scarce.
   

6. Prepare for Your Flight

• Baggage allowance – Check your airline; small aircraft mean stricter limits.
  
• Weather Delays – Mountain weather can cause cancellations, so consider adding buffer days before/after your Bhutan trip.
  
• Arrive early – Paro’s approaches require daylight, so flights are scheduled in the morning.
  

7. Alternative: Entering Overland

If you’re already in India, you can enter Bhutan by land through:

• Phuentsholing (near Siliguri)
  
• Samdrup Jongkhar (from Assam)
  
• Gelephu (from Assam)
  

Your tour operator can arrange a car pickup from these border points.

Quick Checklist

✅ Book with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
✅ Confirm visa arrangements
✅ Reserve flights via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines
✅ Plan extra days for possible delays
✅ Keep travel insurance handy

Visit or contact our offices to find out more information about DrukAir.