Bhutan, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon is believed to be covered with 97% of the mountains and forests. Beautifully nestled between India and China, this mesmerizing country is home to the wondrous Paro International Airport (PBH)—the only international airport in Bhutan and one of the most wonderful, scenic yet challenging airports in the world.
This airport is situated at an elevation of 2,235 meters (7,332 feet) above sea level, surrounded by the gigantic Himalayan peaks that rise over 5,500 meters (18,000 feet). Several factors make this airport special and attention-worthy! Wanna know about these facts?
Everything To Know About Paro Airport
Discover the history, unique challenges, striking details, and other noteworthy aspects of the Paro International Airport Bhutan, that make it truly one of a kind. Let’s get started!
History of Paro Airport Bhutan
The Paro International Airport is the sole international airport in Bhutan with significant landing challenges while offering some of the most ethereal views of the nation. This Category C airport is operated by the Department of Civil Aviation of Bhutan, a department of the Royal Government of Bhutan. This department is responsible for strictly regulating aviation safety and responsibly providing precise air navigation services.
The Indian Border Roads Organization built an airstrip in the Paro Valley in 1968. This was done solely for the on-call helicopter operations by the Indian Armed Forces on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Following this, the airport was constructed with a clear 1200-meter runway, allowing the Government to choose the aircraft to be operated from Paro.
In 1983, Drukair was established as Bhutan’s royal national carrier, resulting in Bhutan’s seamless connectivity with the world. Today, Paro serves as the international gateway, connecting the country with nations such as India, Nepal, Thailand, and Singapore. Paro remains restricted to a select group of specially trained pilots with advanced certifications due to the challenging terrain and strict visual flight rules.
What Makes Paro Airport A Dangerous One?
The Paro International Airport boasts extreme terrain and highly unpredictable weather conditions, making it one of the world’s most difficult airports to access. The striking fact is that only 50 certified pilots are allowed to conduct landings at the Paro International Airport, requiring highly specialized skills to ensure safe take-off and landing. It’s important to know that the flights are only operated during the daytime hours, due to the lack of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and under clear weather conditions. This is done in order to ensure the highest safety and zero errors during the take-off and landing.
Below are the two major reasons that make landing at the Paro Airport extremely dangerous:
The Geographical Factor
Located in the heart of Paro, the airport poses several challenges for pilots and airlines, such as sharp turns and steep descents amidst the narrow valleys between the mountains. The runway is significantly shorter compared with other airports, 1.96 miles (3,962 feet) long, offering little room for error while demanding carefully calculated speed and altitude control to conduct a safe landing. The Paro Airport, the only international gateway to Bhutan, is the sole airport in the world that demands pilots to skillfully maneuver through tight valleys and sharp ridges before making a final approach.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Another challenging aspect of the Paro International Airport is its unpredictable weather which significantly contributes to extremely low visibility and unfavorable landing conditions. Sometimes, the intense winds passing through the steep cuts of the valleys make it even more challenging for the pilots to conduct a well-dignified landing, thus, resulting in flight delays, last-minute diversions, or even cancellations. The dense fog and heavy rainfalls, especially during the monsoon season make it nearly impossible for pilots to head a steady landing approach, ultimately forcing them to abort landings or circle the airport until conditions improve.
Please Note: Any sudden weather changes, such as unforeseen rainfall, extreme winds, etc can significantly impact flight schedules and passenger travel plans. So, be prepared for it!
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Operational Airlines at Paro Airport
There are only two airlines that operate flights to Paro Bhutan. The details are as follows:
Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
Founded in 1981, this airline is the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan with its headquarters in Western Dzongkhag of Paro. The airline’s flight networks are within the South Asian and Southeast Asian region from its base at Paro International Airport. The Drukair is currently serving thirteen destinations in six countries.
Seasonal flights of Drukair operate in Bengaluru, Gaya, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mumbai.
The Bhutan Airlines
Officially known as Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd., Bhutan Airlines, inaugurated its official journey from the Paro-Bangkok route on the 10th of October, 2013. Over the years, Bhutan Airlines has significantly expanded its scope of services, with flights spanning all seven days of the week. Stepping into the flight gives passengers a comforting sense of Bhutan’s hospitality, which is broadly reflected in the airlines’ warm decor, comprehensive services, and traditional cuisine. Bhutan Airlines seamlessly connects international destinations such as Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, and Kathmandu.
Seasonal flights of Bhutan Airlines operate both in Gaya and Mumbai.
Travel Tips for Flying to Paro Airport
Here are some of the best travel tips that every tourist must be aware of while planning their journey to Bhutan via Paro International Airport.
- Always choose the right travel season to travel to Bhutan.
Each season has its impact on flight availability and wait hours. Opting for traveling during the Spring and Autumn seasons mostly ensures clear skies and smooth landings, offering the best visibility to the pilots and sidestepping the chances of weather-related flight delays.
- For those planning to travel to Bhutan by air.
Book flights in advance due to the limited availability of the flights to Bhutan. Only two airlines, DrukAir and The Bhutan Airlines operate in this country, and booking tickets well in advance is the best way to secure your preferred travel dates.
- Carry essential motion sickness medications.
The landing at Paro is no less than a thrilling roller coaster ride. Though it can be exciting for some, while others with motion sickness may face difficulty. Taking anti-nausea medication before the flight is a must since the landing involves several steep cuts and turns.
- Currency.
Keep cash in Bhutanese Ngultrum BTN or Indian Rupees INR (₹100 and below are accepted in Bhutan).
- Prepare for delays.
Due to Bhutan’s unpredictable mountain weather, flights to and from Paro frequently face delays or cancellations. Plan for extra buffer time in your itinerary to avoid missing onward connections and spoiling your mood.
- Avoid connecting flights.
Strictly avoid tight connecting flights on departures, since flights can be delayed due to unforeseen weather conditions. It’s best for travelers to avoid booking same-day onward connections from their departure city to avoid unwanted stress.
- Flight Seat Selection
Choose a left-side window seat when flying into Paro to get the stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and a right-side seat when departing from Paro in case you missed it.
- Precautions when clicking photos.
Passengers/tourists must keep their cameras handy as the aerial views are so scenic and mesmerizing. Its important to note that while it’s tempting to take photos or videos for Bhutan’s beautiful panoramas, following airline regulations regarding phone and camera use during landing is a must.
- Prepare for immigration check.
Passengers/travelers may undergo Manual Immigration Checks as Paro is the only operating International airport in Bhutan. It’s essential to keep your passport, visa (if required), and travel documents ready for easy and hassle-free processing.
- Pack light.
Tourists are advised to pack light as there are baggage weight limits due to the operation of smaller aircraft like the Airbus A319.
The Paro Airport Bhutan has been a center of attention for its stunning panoramas and challenging landing aspects. Passengers who wish to soak in the aerial views of the Lang of the Thunder Dragon, must opt for flight journeys and witness the ultimate thrill of landing amidst rocky terrain, gigantic mountains, and majestic views of the cultural sites—making it a truly memorable experience.
On arrival or during departure, tourists can have leisure time at the duty-free shops, restaurants, and a VIP lounge at the airport.
Paro Airport FAQs
Paro International Airport is one of the toughest and most challenging airports to land at. Only a few qualified pilots with special certification can land in Paro. This airport is situated in the middle of a dense valley, making it significantly difficult to land. Due to its location and intense windy conditions, there are strict flight regulations to be followed.
Paro airport is famous for its two major reasons, including:
1. Stunning scenery that includes majestic Himalayan views of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and Bhutan’s cultural landmarks, including monasteries and the iconic Paro Dzong.
2. The extremely difficult and dangerous aspect of this airport makes it even more intriguing to visit. It is situated in a deep valley at a striking elevation of 2,235 meters (7,332 feet) above sea level, surrounded by gigantic mountains that rise over 5,500 meters (18,000 feet).
3. The short runway, unpredictable weather, and strict visual approach requirements make landing at Paro Airport significantly challenging.
Yes, there are direct flights from Delhi to Paro operated by Bhutan’s 2 national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. The flight duration from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) to Paro International Airport (PBH) is approximately 2 hours and 30 mins. Other important information includes:
1. Flights operate on select days of the week, and the schedule may change based on the season and demand.
2. Since Paro Airport has strict weather-dependent flight operations, delays and cancellations are possible, especially during the monsoon and winter months.
The best time to visit Bhutan is during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn Season (September to November). During these seasons tourists can enjoy clear skies, pleasant weather, and ideal conditions to participate in multiple adventurous activities. Also, visitors will have a great chance to witness the energetic celebrations of the Paro Tsechu Festival and other cultural events.
The Paro Airport Bhutan does not have a straight runway approach with a shorter runway track of only 1.96 miles. Unlike most airports where pilots easily descend in a straight line with a dignified approach, landing at Paro requires passing through several sharp turns and extremely narrow valleys before perfectly aligning with the runway at the last moment.
So, are you ready to indulge in a culturally rich experience in Bhutan starting from an adrenaline-pumping landing experience? If yes, then what awaits you? Get in touch with JustWravel today and let our travel experts plan a perfect Bhutan adventure for you and your loved ones! From providing world-class accommodations to curating immersive cultural experiences, we ensure that your journey through Bhutan is nothing short of extraordinary.
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