Last checked: October 2026
Bhutan has two international airports and a small set of airlines, so flight planning is simpler than in most countries but less flexible. This guide explains the airports, airlines, connection cities and land options, with notes on weather and booking. Most details come from the tour operator Druk Asia and the UK government. Schedules change by season, so check the timetable for your travel month on the airline site before you pay.
Airports
- Paro International Airport (PBH): Bhutan’s main gateway and the arrival point for most visitors, in the Paro Valley.
- Gelephu International Airport (GLU): Began international services in December 2025, with Drukair flights to and from Kolkata, according to Druk Asia. It suits itineraries focused on southern Bhutan.
Airlines
- Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines): The national carrier and the largest international network, with routes to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore and the Middle East.
- Bhutan Airlines: A private international carrier with scheduled routes including Bangkok, Kolkata, Kathmandu and Delhi.
Connection Cities
Flights into Paro connect with Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Bagdogra and Guwahati. Bodh Gaya is served on some seasonal services and Dubai on some Drukair operations, according to Druk Asia. There are no nonstop flights from Europe, North America or Australia, so travellers connect through a gateway city such as Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi or Dubai.
Routes by Origin
- Singapore: Drukair runs three weekly frequencies in 2026, usually Singapore to Guwahati to Paro, with the stop normally made on the same aircraft.
- Bangkok: Frequent Drukair services to Suvarnabhumi, some direct and some stopping in India.
- Delhi: Served by both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, with varying routings and frequencies.
- Kathmandu: Direct flights take roughly an hour.
- Kolkata: Flights serve both Paro and Gelephu.
- Dubai: Drukair has operated this route, but Little Bhutan lists it as paused through 31 October 2026 with no confirmed reopening, so check the Drukair timetable before you plan around it.
Entering by Land
Druk Asia says Bhutan has four official road entry points from India: Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. Phuentsholing, bordering Jaigaon in West Bengal, is the busiest. Guides must be registered there at least 48 hours before arrival, according to the same source. Ireland says a guide is also required if you enter by land and plan to travel beyond the border towns. See the Bhutan visa guide for entry rules.
From the Airport to the City
Paro town is about a 10 to 15 minute drive from Paro International Airport, according to the AirportRoutes guide, and Thimphu is about 80 minutes away, according to Drukair. Gelephu Airport is close to Gelephu town in the south. Most visitors are met by a guide and driver on arrival, so confirm your pickup with your operator. For travel beyond the airport, see getting around Bhutan.
Bhutan uses UTC+6 all year, half an hour ahead of India, so allow for the difference when you plan connections.
Weather and Scheduling
- Paro flights depend on weather, so avoid tight connections, especially on separate tickets.
- Seat availability can tighten around festivals, peak seasons and school holidays.
- Little Bhutan says flights sell out on seats rather than price, and advises booking 3 to 6 months ahead for October and late March.
- The same source mentions a 25% Drukair discount from Kathmandu in summer and winter through December 2026, which is time-limited.
Checklist Before You Book
- Confirm your visa and SDF arrangements first. See the visa guide.
- Check that your passport is valid for at least six months after you leave Bhutan, as the UK and Ireland advise.
- Leave a buffer after your Paro departure before any onward flight.
- Confirm festival dates for your year before buying non-refundable tickets.
- Keep insurance details with you, because Ireland says insurance is mandatory.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
See also our flight deals page for current offers.
Official Safety Advice
The US State Department lists Bhutan at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (updated 4 September 2026). The UK sets limits on the money you can bring in, and Ireland says phones, cameras and computers must be registered with customs. See the Bhutan travel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport do most visitors use?
Paro International Airport (PBH), the main international gateway.
Are there direct flights from Europe or North America?
No. Druk Asia says there are no nonstop flights from Europe, North America or Australia, so you connect through a gateway city.
Which airlines fly to Bhutan?
Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, according to Druk Asia.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu?
Direct flights take roughly an hour, though timings vary.
What if my flight is delayed by weather?
Paro flights depend on weather, so keep a buffer and avoid tight connections on separate tickets. See the best time to visit Bhutan for seasonal conditions.
