What if the scariest part of your vacation happened before you even got off the plane? Welcome to Paro Airport in Bhutan, where flying in feels like an adventure sport.
This isn't your typical runway. Picture a narrow strip wedged between towering Himalayan peaks, where pilots practically graze the mountainsides during descent. Passengers white-knuckle their armrests as planes weave through valleys like threading a needle. Only a handful of pilots worldwide can actually land here - fewer than people who've climbed Everest.
Weather changes in minutes, cancelling flights without warning. But that terrifying approach makes stepping off the plane feel incredible. You're suddenly in this hidden kingdom where prayer flags dance in mountain winds and everything feels magical.
Arriving in Bhutan is not like reserving any ordinary trip. Flight timetables are not fixed, and the entire process tends to baffle beginners. Our Bhutan tour packages take care of all the complicated logistics so that you can concentrate on surviving the crazy landing and exploring one of the world's remaining unspoiled paradises.
Top Airports in Bhutan – Entry Points to the Land of the Thunder Dragon
1. Paro International Airport – The Main Gateway to Bhutan
When people talk about airports in Bhutan, they usually mean Paro International Airport. This is the country’s only international airport and the main entry point for tourists flying into Bhutan.
Key Details:
- Type: International
- IATA Code: PBH
- Elevation: 2,235 m (7,332 ft)
- Unique Features: Challenging approach, high-altitude runway, licensed pilots only
- Destinations: Major South and Southeast Asian cities
When people discuss airports in Bhutan, the conversation almost always starts with Paro International Airport, the country’s one and only international airport in Bhutan. It’s also the biggest airport in Bhutan.
Set in the magical Paro Valley and surrounded by Himalayan peaks reaching over 5,500 m, the airport sits at 2,235 m (7,332 ft) above sea level.
Landing here is considered one of the most thrilling experiences in aviation. Only a handful of pilots worldwide are certified to land at Paro, as the runway is short (about 2,265 m) and located between high ridges
Flights operate under strictly visual flight rules, during daylight only. Weather can cause delays, especially during the monsoon, so bookings are usually advised in the dry seasons of April–May and October-November.
2. Bathpalathang Airport – Bumthang Region
Key Details:
- Type: Domestic
- IATA Code: BUT
- Elevation: ≈ 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
- Operators: Drukair (primary), occasional Bhutan Airlines
- Best for: Travellers to Bumthang’s spiritual and natural attractions
Bathpalathang Airport, also known as Bumthang Airport, serves central Bhutan’s Bumthang District near the town of Jakar. It lies at about 2,700 m (8,858 ft) elevation, with a modest 1,200 m runway built to serve smaller aircraft like ATRs.
The airport opened in December 2011 but had to suspend operations temporarily in mid‑2012 due to runway damage. It resumed limited service later, and now sees regular domestic flights.
For visitors heading to central Bhutan, overland travel from Paro or Thimphu can take eight to ten hours. Flying to Bathpalathang airport saves considerable time and lets you begin exploring sights like Jakar, temples, and valleys with minimal fatigue.
The facilities are basic but clean and practical, with check-in counters, waiting areas, a small café, and simple passenger services
Flights from Bathpalathang are mostly operated by Drukair, with occasional Bhutan Airlines service connecting to Paro and/or Gelephu. These routes are seasonal and depend on tourist and local demand.
3. Gelephu Airport – Gateway to Southern Bhutan
Key Details:
- Type: Domestic (potentially future international)
- IATA Code: GLU
- Elevation: 300 m (984 ft)
- Operators: Drukair
- Key Role: Southern access, connectivity with India, future expansion hub
Gelephu Airport sits in Sarpang District, about 3 km from Gelephu town near Bhutan’s India border. Built on over 500 acres at an elevation of around 300 m (984 ft), it is the country’s lowest‑elevation airport.
Originally conceived as an international airport, plans were scaled back to a domestic scope in 2008. The airport began operations in late 2017 after years of delays.
Gelephu serves southern Bhutan and offers a multi-modal route into the country-via land from India and then air to central/western Bhutan. There's ongoing discussion about upgrading Gelephu into an international airport in Bhutan in the future, linked to regional infrastructure plans and Gelephu’s development as a planned economic “mindfulness city” near Assam.
The airport’s terminal is a modest combined departure/arrival building, with simple check‑in counters, and local transport like taxis or buses to town.
Currently operated by Drukair, Gelephu Airport offers domestic flights to Paro International Airport and Bathpalathang Airport. There is typically one flight per week to Paro (30 minutes, 117 km) and at least one weekly flight to Bumthang.
4. Yongphulla Airport – Eastern Bhutan’s Air Lift
Key Details:
- Type: Domestic
- IATA Code: YON
- Elevation: 2,700 m (9,000 ft)
- Operators: Drukair (seasonal)
- Useful For: Access to eastern Bhutan’s remote beauty
Located about 33 km southeast of Trashigang town in eastern Bhutan, Yongphulla Airport is situated at approximately 2,700 m (9,000 ft) above sea level. Built initially in the 1960s by the Indian Armed Forces, it later sat idle before being upgraded and reopened for civilian use in October 2017 after runway improvements.
Earlier attempts to resume flights were stalled because the runway gradient exceeded aircraft specifications, and safety concerns took time to resolve.
Eastern Bhutan is rich in culture, nature, and wildlife-but often difficult to reach by road. Flying into Yongphulla airport offers a convenient alternative and cuts what might be two days of travel over rough roads down to under an hour in the air.
Though not busy, the airport plays a vital role in connecting eastern districts, especially during the dry months. Facilities are simple: a small terminal, basic waiting area, and taxi service into Trashigang.
Today, Drukair operates seasonal flights connecting Yongphulla Airport to Paro and Bathpalathang (Bumthang). Passenger service depends on demand and favourable weather.
Flights to/from Gelephu also exist occasionally. From Gelephu to Trashigang, about two flights per week schedule departing at 08:40 and taking around 40 minutes over a 111 km distance.
What About Thimphu Airport?
Many people wonder if there’s a Thimphu airport, especially since it’s the capital city. The answer is no. Due to the surrounding mountains, Thimphu doesn’t have enough space for an airport. So, if you’re planning to visit Thimphu (and you should-it’s beautiful!), you’ll need to land at Paro and then travel by road.
So, when people mention Thimphu airport, they’re usually referring to Paro International Airport, which is the closest and most convenient airport to reach Thimphu.
Travelling Tips: Choosing the Right Airport in Bhutan
Picking the Right Airport
- Fly internationally? Use Paro International Airport-it’s the only airport of Bhutan that handles that.
- Heading to central, eastern, or southern Bhutan? Consider domestic airports:
- Bathpalathang Airport for Bumthang
- Yongphulla Airport for eastern Bhutan
- Gelephu Airport for southern access from India or domestic connections
Booking & Planning
- Flights are limited and often only seasonal-book well in advance, especially during peak tourist windows (spring and autumn).
- Domestic aircraft are usually ATR 42/72 with strict baggage limits.
- Weather in spring and autumn is best; monsoons (June–September) may cause delays or cancellations.
Checking Flight Schedules
- Flights between Gelephu and Paro operate once weekly on average ( 30 min).
- Flights between Gelephu and Trashigang (Yongphulla) operate twice weekly (40-minute flight).
- Domestic flights are infrequent and vary by season and demand.
Though small in number, the airports in Bhutan are efficient, beautiful, and full of character. If you are planning to visit Bhutan, most likely you will enter through Paro International Airport, the main airport of Bhutan. From there, you can either continue by road or use domestic flights to reach regions like Bumthang, Trashigang, or Gelephu.
Whether you’re arriving by flight or exploring Bhutan from one region to another, the airports in Bhutan are your entry points to one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.
