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Bhutan's national carrier connecting the kingdom to the world.
Founded
1981
Headquarters
Paro, Bhutan
Druk Air, officially known as the Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Established in 1981 and commencing operations in 1983, it holds a monopoly on scheduled international air services to and from Bhutan, operating out of Paro International Airport.
The airline serves destinations across South and Southeast Asia, including cities in India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh, and beyond. Its operations are closely tied to Bhutan's regulated tourism policy, which limits visitor numbers to preserve the country's cultural and environmental heritage.
Druk Air is state-owned and plays a critical role in Bhutan's connectivity given the country's landlocked and mountainous geography. Flying into Paro is considered one of the most challenging approaches in commercial aviation, requiring specially trained and certified pilots.
Hubs & network
Druk Air operates primarily from Paro International Airport (PBH), the only international airport in Bhutan.
Fleet
Druk Air operates a small fleet consisting of Airbus A319 and ATR 42 turboprop aircraft.
Notable facts
- ›Druk Air is the sole scheduled international airline authorized to operate flights to and from Bhutan.
- ›Paro International Airport is surrounded by Himalayan peaks, making it one of the world's most technically demanding airports for pilots.
- ›Only a limited number of pilots worldwide are certified to land at Paro Airport.
- ›The airline's name 'Druk' refers to the Thunder Dragon, a national symbol of Bhutan.
- ›Druk Air began commercial operations in 1983 with a single BAe 146 jet aircraft.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
