The first surprise for most people planning Bhutan is that you can't fly there directly from Europe, North America, or Australia. There are no long-haul routes into the country at all. Everyone connects through a regional hub first. The second surprise is that only two airlines fly into Bhutan, and only one airport in the country takes international flights.
None of this is a problem. It just means a bit of planning. Here's how it actually works.
The two airlines
Only two carriers are licensed to fly into Bhutan:
- Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines): the national carrier.
- Bhutan Airlines: a private operator.
Both fly into Paro International Airport (airport code PBH), which is the only international airport in the country. There are small domestic airstrips at Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula, but you arrive from abroad through Paro.
Because the market is limited to these two airlines, flights are not cheap relative to the distance, and they book up in the spring and autumn festival seasons. Reserve early.
Where you connect from
Flights into Paro come from a fixed set of regional cities. The most common connecting hubs are:
| Connecting city | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | India | Frequent, good for connections from Europe and the Gulf |
| Kolkata | India | Short hop, common for India-based travellers |
| Kathmandu | Nepal | Spectacular Himalayan flight on a clear day |
| Bangkok | Thailand | Best hub for Southeast Asia, Australia, and many long-haul routes |
| Singapore | Singapore | Good for connections from Asia-Pacific |
| Dhaka | Bangladesh | Regional option |
| Bagdogra / Guwahati | India | Useful if combining with northeast India |
So the real question isn't "how do I fly to Bhutan," it's "which hub do I route through." For most travellers from the West, the cleanest options are:
- From Europe or the Middle East: fly to Delhi, then Delhi to Paro.
- From North America: usually via Bangkok or Singapore, then on to Paro.
- From Australia or Southeast Asia: Bangkok or Singapore to Paro.
If you have a day or two to spare, routing through Kathmandu is worth it for the mountain views alone. On a clear morning the flight passes Everest and Kanchenjunga.
What flights cost
Fares vary a lot with season and how far ahead you book, but as a rough guide the Paro leg (for example Delhi to Paro or Bangkok to Paro return) tends to run a few hundred US dollars on its own, separate from your long-haul ticket. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are peak and priced accordingly. Book the Paro leg as early as you can, especially around major festivals.
A practical tip: book your international long-haul and your Paro flight with enough connection time. A tight connection in Delhi or Bangkok is risky, and missing the Paro flight can mean a full day's wait for the next one.
The Paro landing
Paro's reputation is real. The airport sits in a narrow valley at around 2,200m, surrounded by peaks up to 5,500m. There's no straight-in approach. Pilots fly a visual approach that banks between the hills before dropping onto the runway, and only a limited number of pilots worldwide are certified to fly it.
For passengers it's one of the most scenic descents anywhere. It is not dangerous, it just looks dramatic. Try for a left-side window seat flying in from Kathmandu or Delhi for the best mountain views, though seating varies by route.
Flights only operate in daylight at Paro because of the terrain, so schedules are built around morning and midday slots.
Do you need anything sorted before you fly?
Yes. Before you arrive you need:
- A tourist visa ($40 per person), which is tied to your trip.
- The Sustainable Development Fee paid ($100 per adult per night, confirmed through August 31, 2027).
- A licensed Bhutanese guide arranged for your cultural sites and any trekking.
Airlines will generally want to see that your visa and permits are in order before they let you board the Paro flight, so this is not something to leave to the airport. We cover the paperwork in detail in our visa requirements guide, and if you book a journey with us the permits are handled for you.
Putting it together
A typical door-to-door looks like: long-haul flight to Delhi or Bangkok, overnight or a few hours' layover, then the morning Drukair or Bhutan Airlines flight into Paro where your guide meets you. From there your trip begins.
If you want the flights, permits, and ground arrangements handled as one piece, start a custom journey and we'll line up the routing that fits where you're coming from.
Routes, carriers, and fares change. Confirm current schedules directly with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines, or with us when planning your trip.