Before you write

Flights to Bhutan

Two airlines fly to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, and guests land at Paro. There are no direct flights from Europe, the US or Australia, so you connect through a city such as Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok or Singapore. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. We arrange flights for our guests, and you can send us your dates first.

By Kinley and the Thunphel team Checked 4 minute read

  • Airlines 2 Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
  • Airport Paro About 2,200 m above sea level.
  • Passport 6 months Minimum validity.
  • Checked bag 30 kg Drukair economy on international flights.
What we advise

Send us your dates and where you are flying from. We will tell you which route and which day to pick, and we can book it with your tour. Leave a spare day at the end of the trip.

Which airlines fly to Bhutan?

Bhutan has two national airlines. Drukair is the national carrier, and Bhutan Airlines is the private airline. Both fly to Paro, the main airport for guests. You can book on drukair.com.bt and bhutanairlines.bt, or through us.

Which cities have flights to Paro?

The Department of Tourism lists these cities. Between them, the two airlines fly to Paro from:

  • India Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Bodhgaya Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
  • Nepal Kathmandu Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
  • Bangladesh Dhaka Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
  • Thailand and Singapore Bangkok, Singapore Some of these flights stop at Guwahati on the way.

Drukair also lists Dubai, but those flights are on hold at the moment. Days and times change by season, so we do not print them here. Check the airline schedule or ask us.

How do I fly to Bhutan from India?

Fly to Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati or Bodhgaya, then on to Paro. From Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities, connect through one of those. If you would rather go by road, read our guide to entering Bhutan by road.

How do I fly to Bhutan from the UK, Europe, the US or Australia?

Fly first to a city that has a flight to Paro, then change planes. Our guests most often connect through these four.

  • Bangkok Thailand Flights to Paro.
  • Delhi India Flights to Paro.
  • Kathmandu Nepal Flights to Paro.
  • Singapore Singapore Drukair flies to Paro, with a stop at Guwahati.

Tell us where you are flying from and we will plan the connection.

Should I book my flights before or after my tour?

Send us your dates first. Your visa and your SDF nights are counted from the day you land, so your flight date and your tour must match. If you book your own flights, check the dates with us before you pay.

Can you book my flights?

Yes. We arrange flights for our guests with the tour. We add USD 5 to the ticket price to cover changes in exchange rates.

How far ahead should I book?

There is no time limit. You can book at any time, as long as seats are available. Seats fill early for festival dates and for autumn and spring, so set your dates and book as soon as you can.

What are the baggage and check in rules?

  • Checked bag 30 kg economy, 40 kg business On Drukair international flights. No single bag over 32 kg.
  • Cabin bag 5 kg economy, 7 kg business Up to 45 x 35 x 20 cm.
  • Check in Counters open 3 hours before They close 1 hour before departure. Online check in opens 72 hours before.

Bhutan Airlines has its own limits, so check its website. Domestic flights allow 20 kg in economy and 30 kg in business.

What is the landing at Paro like?

The airport sits in a narrow valley at about 2,200 metres, and the approach curves between ridgelines instead of coming in straight. Only pilots with special training fly it.

Ask for a left window seat when you fly into Paro and a right window seat when you fly out.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

Weather can delay flights in and out of Paro by hours, and sometimes by a day. If your flight is delayed, we rearrange your tour for the new dates. If your flight is cancelled, we refund the SDF. If the airline refunds the ticket cost, we refund it to you, minus the bank transfer charges.

Tell your guide or us at once. Leave a spare day before a long flight home, and avoid a tight same day connection.

Are there flights inside Bhutan?

Yes. Drukair flies from Paro to Bumthang, Yonphula and Gelephu. Read our Getting to Bhutan guide for the domestic airports.

City list and passport rule come from the Department of Tourism. Baggage and check in rules come from Drukair. Seat and delay advice come from our own guides.

Official source: Department of Tourism, how to get to Bhutan

Where to go next

More questions? See the full FAQ

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