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Explorers from over the globe crowd the wonderful nation of Bhutan settled in the Himalayas. Something else, known as the Buddhist sanctuary, Bhutan is the world’s most joyful nation and furthermore the main nation on the planet that is carbon negative. It is well known for its numerous religious communities and sanctuaries, and the rich culture and the enchanted spellbinding scenes of the Himalayas. Being a prevalent visitor goal, there are a bevy of airports in Bhutan.

4 Best Airports In Bhutan

Bhutan has so far just a single worldwide air terminal that takes into account the necessities of guests coming in through flights. However, inside the nation, there are three local flights are taken care of by these other airports in the country.

1. Paro Airport

Paro Airport

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In 1968, the Indian Border Roads Organization assembled an airstrip in the Paro valley. Bhutan’s first aircraft, Drukair, was built by Royal Charter on 5 April 1981.
Paro Airport is somewhere down in a valley 2,235 m (7,332 ft) above mean ocean level and is encompassed by mountains as high as 5,500 m (18,000 ft). The air terminal was developed with a runway 1,200 m (3,900 ft) in length, giving the Bhutanese government particular prerequisites for a decision of airship to be worked from Paro. Three airplanes compose were considered after flight tests that had been led in India and Bhutan somewhere in the range of 1978 and 1980; be that as it may, none was esteemed suitable.

In 1990, the runway at Paro Airport was stretched from 1,402 to 1,964 m (4,600 to 6,445 ft) and strengthened for heavier aircraft. A shelter was built for the airplane, which was subsidized by the Indian government as a feature of the Paro Airport Development Project.

Buddha Air turned into the main global aircraft to work contracts to Paro in August 2010. Tashi Air, Bhutan’s first private carrier was begun in December 2011. In 2012, it was accounted for that 181,659 travelers utilized the airplane terminal.
In case you’re intending to visit places like Ha, Tsirang, Chirang, Chhukha, and Daga, at that point the Paro air terminal is a decent pick to pick as your arrival point. Indeed, a trip to Paro itself has a great deal to offer and is a well-known traveler goal.

Must Read: Backpacking In Bhutan: A Thrilling Experience For All The Travelers


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2. Gelephu Airport

Gelephu Airport

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This Bhutan air terminal is arranged in Samtenling, Gewog, near a town named Gelephu in the Sarpang region in Bhutan. The air terminal was built in 2008 and initially planned to be a worldwide airplane terminal, however, because of money related and calculated reasons, it kept running on and off, lastly began working all the time in 2017. The Department of Civil Aviation disclosed to Kuensel that the air terminal had been shut to planned flights because of the need to develop another terminal building and control tower.

After a concise time of flights in 2015, that was observed to be uneconomic, flights in the long run re-initiated in November 2017 with budgetary help from the Royal Bhutanese Government.

The air terminal just has one aircraft, Druk Air, which flies to and from Paro and Jakar. In case you’re making a trip to those urban communities or their neighboring towns, at that point, you could utilize this airplane terminal as your loading up/landing point. The airport is separated from the main city by 3 km.

Suggested Read: Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary: Wander Into The Wild In Bhutan

3. Bathpalathang Airport

Bathpalathang Airport

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This Bhutanese air terminal is situated in Jakar and was developed in 2011.
Airplane terminal development at Bathpalathang met a few deferrals, including soil precariousness under the runway, funding, work, and material shortages, and adjacent waterway assurance and diversion, every one of which supported a definitive achievement of any air terminal at the site. Notwithstanding confirmations by government workforce and contractual workers that the air terminal would be finished on time, it was finished fundamentally behind schedule. Further confusions emerged from enacted land and property pay plans for the individuals who were compelled to move to suit the airport.

The Bathpalathang Airport is the most up to date airplane terminal in Bhutan and at the outset had flights just to Paro, till it got suspended in 2012, however, was as of late revived for utilization. There are two fundamental carriers that work here; they are the Bhutan Airlines, which flies to and from Thimpu/Paro, and Druk Air, which flies to Paro and Gelephu too. The airport is separated from the main city by 3 km.

Suggested Read: The Only Guide To Zhemgang In Bhutan You Need Before Your Nepal Trip

4. Yongphulla Airport

Yongphulla-Airport

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The air terminal was initially built by the Indian Army during the 1960s. Yongphulla Airport was basically an airstrip around then, found high on bumpy territory and generally unused. In the mid-2000s, the airplane terminal was revamped with the point of turning into a feasible airport. In October 2013, it was reported that the air terminal would be shut to all air activity until 2015.

This went on for more than four years. The airplane terminal was re-opened on 8 October 2017 by Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay after the runway was moved up to global standards. Presently, the airplane terminal is growing progressively and is en-route to turning into a global air terminal. The two noteworthy aircrafts working here are Druk air and Bhutanese Airlines traveling to Paro and Jakar.

Further Read: Top 10 Honeymoon Places In Bhutan In 2022 To Fall In Love All Over Again!

On the off chance that you are arranging a trek to Bhutan, look into all of these airports in Bhutan. As an added benefit it will help you while planning your fantasy getaway to Bhutan. Also, don’t forget to collect more information before packing your bags.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Airports In Bhutan

Is there a direct flight from Delhi to Bhutan?

Yes, there is a direct flight from Delhi to Bhutan. Durk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate between both the places and the duration of the flight are around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

How many international airports are there in Bhutan?

There is only one international airport in Bhutan which is Paro International Airport.

Is Bhutan visa required for an Indian National?

Bhutan visa is not required for those who are holding an Indian passport. But one must carry all the necessary travel documents and identification proofs.

What are the facilities provided at the Paro International Airport?

The facilities provided at the Paro International Airport are:
1. Airport Lounges
2. Airport Hotels
3. Wifi
4. Rest Zones
5. Luggage Storage
6. Mobile Charging
7. Cab/Taxis

How far is Paro International Airport from Thimphu?

Paro International Airport is around 47 kilometers away from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The distance can be covered in around 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Can Indian currency be exchanged at the Paro International Airport?

Yes, Indian currency can be exchanged easily at the Paro International Aiport in Bhutan. Bank of Bhutan foreign exchange desk is available at the airport.


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Category: Airports, Bhutan

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