Flights to Bhutan 2026: Arrival, Airlines & Paro Airport
Last updated:
Reach Bhutan through Paro Airport – one of the world's most spectacular airports, nestled in a narrow Himalayan valley at 2,235 meters altitude. Direct flights from Europe, North America, or most parts of the world don't exist; arrival is via Asian gateways like Bangkok, Delhi, or Kathmandu. Total travel time ranges from 12 to 18 hours – and the approach itself through majestic mountain peaks makes your Bhutan journey unforgettable before you even land.
Arrival to Bhutan at a Glance
Paro Airport: The World's Most Spectacular Approach
Paro International Airport (IATA code: PBH) is Bhutan's only international airport, located at 2,235 meters altitude in the picturesque Paro Valley. Surrounded by mountains reaching up to 5,500 meters, the approach is considered one of the most challenging in the world – and simultaneously one of the most spectacular flight experiences ever. The runway measures 2,265 meters and sits just 6 km from Paro town center and 65 km from the capital Thimphu.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | PBH |
| Altitude | 2,235 m above sea level |
| Runway Length | 2,265 meters |
| Operating Hours | Daylight only (no night flights) |
| Distance to Paro Town | 6 km |
| Distance to Thimphu | 65 km (approximately 1.5 hours drive) |
Why the Approach is Safe
The approach to Paro is safe – despite its complexity. Worldwide, only a few dozen pilots are certified for this particular airport. These pilots undergo intensive specialized training and must regularly complete simulator flights. The airport has an excellent safety record. During bad weather, flights are delayed or rerouted – safety always comes first.
Airport Infrastructure
Paro Airport is small and straightforward – very much in Bhutan's style. The terminal building was constructed in traditional Bhutanese architectural style and offers all essential facilities for smooth arrival.
- Immigration and visa control
- Baggage claim
- Currency exchange (Bank of Bhutan)
- SIM card sales (B-Mobile, TashiCell)
- Small café
- No airport lounges available
Learn more about the Paro region
Airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines
Only two airlines serve Paro Airport: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Both are Bhutanese carriers with modern fleets and good service – the only two certified for the challenging approach.
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines
Drukair is Bhutan's state-owned airline, founded in 1981. Operating as "Royal Bhutan Airlines," it maintains the larger network of the two carriers and connects Bhutan with cities in India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, and Bangladesh. Aircraft feature the characteristic dragon livery – the Druk (Thunder Dragon) is Bhutan's national symbol.
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320neo | 1 | 20 Business + 120 Economy |
| Airbus A319 | 1 | 16 Business + 102 Economy |
| ATR 42-600 | 1 | 8 Business + 32 Economy |
| Pilatus PC-24 | 1 | New as of November 2026 |
Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan Airlines is the country's private carrier, founded in 2011. It serves fewer destinations than Drukair but offers reliable service on major routes to Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Delhi. The fleet consists of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.
Airlines Direct Comparison
| Criterion | Drukair | Bhutan Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Status | State-owned | Private |
| Founded | 1981 | 2011 |
| Route Network | Extensive – 7 destinations | Compact – 3–4 destinations |
| Fleet | 4 aircraft + 1 helicopter | 2 aircraft |
| Business Class | Available | Available |
| Distinctive Feature | More connections, Singapore route | Often lower fares |
Flight Routes from Europe and Worldwide
From most parts of the world, there are no direct connections to Bhutan. Arrival is via Asian gateways, with Bangkok, Delhi, and Kathmandu being the most popular connection points. Depending on your chosen route, total travel time ranges between 12 and 18 hours.
| Connection Hub | International Airlines | Onward Flight to Paro | Flight Time to Paro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (BKK) | Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss | Drukair, Bhutan Airlines | approx. 4 hours |
| Delhi (DEL) | Lufthansa, Air India, Swiss | Drukair, Bhutan Airlines | approx. 2.5 hours |
| Kathmandu (KTM) | Qatar, Emirates, Turkish | Drukair, Bhutan Airlines | approx. 1 hour |
| Singapore (SIN) | Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Lufthansa | Drukair only | approx. 5 hours |
Route 1: Via Bangkok (Recommended)
The Bangkok route is the most popular connection for travelers from Europe and beyond. From major European hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, or Vienna, you'll fly approximately 11 hours to Bangkok, where daily onward flights to Paro are available. The connecting flight takes around 4 hours. Bangkok also offers the opportunity for a stopover to explore the city.
Flight Routing:
Frankfurt/Munich/Zurich/Vienna → Bangkok (approx. 11h) → Paro (approx. 4h)
Total Flight Time: approx. 15 hours
Advantages: Daily connections, Bangkok as attractive stopover, good flight times
Route 2: Via Delhi
The Delhi route offers the shortest total travel time. Flight from European hubs to Delhi takes approximately 8 hours, with the connecting flight to Paro just 2.5 hours. Delhi airport transit is less comfortable than Bangkok or Singapore, but for a quick arrival, it's the best option.
Flight Routing:
Frankfurt/Munich/Zurich/Vienna → Delhi (approx. 8h) → Paro (approx. 2.5h)
Total Flight Time: approx. 10.5 hours
Advantages: Shortest travel time, cheaper flights to Delhi
Disadvantages: Delhi transit less comfortable
Route 3: Via Kathmandu
The Kathmandu route is ideal for those wanting to combine Nepal and Bhutan. The short flight from Kathmandu to Paro (just 1 hour) travels along the world's highest mountains – an unforgettable experience. Getting to Kathmandu typically involves flights via Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul with a total travel time of 10–12 hours.
Flight Routing:
Europe → Kathmandu via Doha/Dubai/Istanbul (approx. 10–12h) → Paro (approx. 1h)
Total Flight Time: approx. 11–13 hours
Advantages: Ideal Nepal-Bhutan combination, most spectacular Himalayan flight, daily connections
Plan a Nepal-Bhutan combination trip
Flight Prices and Booking Tips
Flight prices to Bhutan vary by season, booking timing, and chosen route. Generally, flights to Paro are more expensive than to other Asian destinations, since only two airlines serve this route.
Flights to Paro (Round-Trip)
| Route | Economy (Round-Trip) | Business (Round-Trip) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe → Bangkok | $700–$1,100 USD | $3,000–$4,800 USD |
| Europe → Delhi | $600–$950 USD | $2,400–$4,200 USD |
| Europe → Kathmandu | $700–$1,200 USD | $3,000–$5,400 USD |
Connecting Flights to Paro
| Route | Economy (one-way) | Economy (Round-Trip) | Business (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu – Paro | approx. $420 USD | approx. $590 USD | $540–$830 USD |
| Delhi – Paro | approx. $420–$480 USD | approx. $660 USD | $660–$960 USD |
| Bangkok – Paro | approx. $480–$600 USD | approx. $720–$960 USD | $840–$1,200 USD |
| Singapore – Paro | approx. $540–$660 USD | approx. $840–$1,080 USD | $960–$1,440 USD |
Total Flight Costs (Round-Trip to Paro)
| Route | Economy Total | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Via Bangkok | $1,400–$2,000 USD | Best connections |
| Via Delhi | $1,200–$1,700 USD | Fastest route |
| Via Kathmandu | $1,300–$1,800 USD | Ideal for Nepal combination |
Detailed cost breakdown for your Bhutan trip
Baggage Allowances
Both Bhutanese airlines offer generous baggage allowances – considerably more than many other international carriers. Allowances are identical at Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
| Class | Checked Baggage | Carry-on |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 30 kg | 5 kg |
| Business | 40 kg | 7 kg |
Practical Tips for Flight Booking
Booking Timing
Bhutan flights are often booked months in advance, especially during peak season (March-May and September-November) and festival periods. Book early – ideally 3–6 months before your trip.
Recommended Connection Times
| Airport | Recommended Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bangkok (BKK) | 3–4 hours |
| Delhi (DEL) | 4–5 hours |
| Kathmandu (KTM) | 3 hours |
| Singapore (SIN) | 3 hours |
Online Check-in and Seat Selection
- Drukair: Online check-in available at drukair.com.bt, 24–48 hours before departure
- Window Seat: Definitely book for the inbound flight – the approach to Paro offers spectacular views
- Right Side: Usually offers better views of Himalayan peaks during approach
Booking Options
Booking Through Travel Operator
- Often better rates through airline allotments
- Coordinated booking with visa and tour
- Support for changes
- Recommended for most travelers
Self-Booking
- Direct with drukair.com.bt or bhutanairlines.bt
- More flexibility in route selection
- Requires more self-organization
- For experienced independent travelers
Alternative: Overland Entry
Besides flying, you can enter Bhutan overland from India. There are three official border crossings, with Phuentsholing in the southwest being the most important and widely used. This option is cheaper and offers interesting landscape experiences, but requires significantly more time.
| Border Crossing | Indian Side | Distinctive Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | Jaigaon | Main land crossing, drive to Thimphu approx. 6h |
| Gelephu | Bongaigaon | Less frequently used |
| Samdrup Jongkhar | Guwahati | Access to eastern Bhutan |
Overland Advantages
- Cheaper than flying
- Interesting scenic drive
- More flexible planning
- Experience of altitude gain
Overland Disadvantages
- Very time-consuming
- Challenging mountain roads
- Rapid altitude change can be taxing
- Only for travelers with plenty of time
Learn more about transport within Bhutan
New Gelephu Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the flight to Bhutan take?
Total travel time from Europe or North America ranges from 12–18 hours including connections. The fastest option is via Delhi (approximately 10.5 hours of actual flight time), the longest via Singapore. The flight to Paro itself takes 1–5 hours depending on your departure point.
Is the approach to Paro dangerous?
No, the approach to Paro is safe. Although it's considered one of the world's most challenging approaches, only specially certified pilots are authorized to land at this airport. The airport has an excellent safety record. During bad weather, flights are delayed or rerouted in the interest of safety.
Which airlines fly to Bhutan?
Only two airlines serve Paro Airport: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines, state-owned) and Bhutan Airlines (private). Both offer flights from Bangkok, Delhi, and Kathmandu. Drukair also flies from Singapore. International airlines like Lufthansa or Swiss don't fly directly to Bhutan.
Can I combine Bhutan with Nepal?
Yes, combining Bhutan and Nepal is very popular and logistically simple. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro takes only about one hour and travels along the world's highest Himalayan peaks. Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly this route daily.
How much does a flight to Bhutan cost?
Total costs for round-trip flights from Europe to Paro typically range from $1,200 to $2,000 USD in economy class. The cheapest route is via Delhi, the most comfortable via Bangkok. Early bookers and flexible travelers often find better prices.
How much baggage can I bring?
Drukair and Bhutan Airlines allow 30 kg checked baggage and 5 kg carry-on in economy class. Business class allows 40 kg and 7 kg respectively. This is more generous than many international airlines. However, check the limits of your connecting flights – these may be more restrictive.
Should I book through a travel operator or directly?
For most travelers, we recommend booking through a travel operator. They often have flight allotments and can offer better rates. Plus, booking is coordinated with visa and itinerary. Experienced independent travelers can also book directly with the airlines.
What happens if my flight is cancelled due to bad weather?
In case of weather-related cancellations, you'll automatically be rebooked on the next available flight. The airlines and your travel operator will handle arrangements. That's why we recommend planning at least one day buffer on your return before important connections or appointments.
Next Steps for Your Bhutan Journey
Planning your arrival is an important first step. These topics will help with further preparation:
Discover the Paro Region
Your arrival destination in Bhutan: The picturesque Paro Valley with the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.
Visa & Entry
Everything about Bhutan's e-visa: Online application, costs, and required documents.
Transport in Bhutan
How to get around Bhutan: Travel times, roads, and domestic transportation.
Plan Flight and Trip Together?
We support you with booking and coordinate flights, visa, and your Bhutan itinerary.