Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan’s privately owned scheduled airline, linking its Paro base with a compact network of major South Asian cities and Bangkok.
About Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan Airlines is a privately owned Bhutanese carrier operated by Tashi Air Private Limited, part of the Tashi Group. Established in 2011, it initially entered Bhutan’s domestic market under the Tashi Air name before adopting the Bhutan Airlines identity for international services. It provides an alternative to the country’s state-owned flag carrier and operates scheduled passenger flights under the IATA code B3.
The airline’s primary base is Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s main international gateway. Its compact network connects Paro with Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu and Kolkata, although schedules and frequencies can vary seasonally. These routes serve inbound tourists, regional business travellers and Bhutanese passengers using larger Asian airports for onward journeys to destinations beyond the airline’s own network.
Bhutan Airlines operates narrow-body Airbus A319 aircraft, a type suited to its regional network and the demanding operating environment at Paro. Aircraft offer business-class and economy-class cabins. The service follows a traditional full-service model rather than a low-cost format, with checked baggage and onboard refreshments generally provided subject to the route, cabin and applicable fare conditions.
The carrier is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and its limited network offers fewer alliance-style connections than larger Asian airlines. Bhutan Airlines does not operate a widely established frequent-flyer programme of its own. Passengers connecting to another carrier should check whether their itinerary requires separate tickets, baggage collection and another check-in at the transfer airport.
Bhutan Airlines’ main strength is its focused access to Bhutan from several useful regional gateways. Its small fleet and network also present a practical challenge: frequencies may be limited, replacement options can be scarce after disruption, and flights at Paro are sensitive to weather and daylight conditions. Travellers should allow generous connection time and monitor schedules near departure, particularly during less predictable weather periods.
Good to know
Flying with Bhutan Airlines — what to expect
Paro Operations
Paro is a demanding mountain airport where weather and daylight can affect operations. Avoid tight onward connections and allow flexibility if the schedule changes.
Compact Route Network
Bhutan Airlines serves a small group of regional gateways rather than a broad international network. Separate tickets may require passengers to collect and recheck baggage when connecting to another airline.
Two Cabin Service
Flights generally offer business-class and economy-class seating on Airbus A319 aircraft. Cabin features can vary, so review the fare and aircraft details shown when booking.
Check Baggage Terms
Checked and cabin baggage allowances depend on the route, cabin and ticket conditions. Confirm the limits on your booking confirmation, especially when connecting from an airline with different rules.
Travel Documents
Bhutan has specific entry and tourism requirements, while transit countries may impose separate visa rules. Verify the requirements for every point in the itinerary before departure.
Reconfirm Your Flight
Frequencies can change with demand and operating conditions. Recheck the departure time before travelling, particularly when weather may affect Paro operations.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Bhutan Airlines
Notable destinations on Bhutan Airlines's network.
B3ParodirectB3BangkokdirectB3DelhidirectB3KathmandudirectB3KolkatadirectDestination list is indicative of Bhutan Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Bhutan
Other airlines based in Bhutan
FAQ
Bhutan Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Bhutan Airlines is based at Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s principal international gateway. Most of its scheduled services begin or end at Paro.
- The Paro–Bangkok service is generally the longest route in Bhutan Airlines’ compact scheduled network. Operating patterns can change, so check the current timetable before travel.
- Fares are often lower when booked early and outside Bhutan’s busiest tourism periods and major holidays. Compare nearby dates because limited frequencies can produce noticeable price differences between departures.
- Cabin baggage must comply with the weight and size allowance stated for the booked route and fare. Check the airline’s current baggage guidance or your booking confirmation because limits can change.
- Bhutan Airlines links Paro with Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu and Kolkata. Routes and frequencies may vary seasonally, so travellers should confirm the current timetable before booking.
- Paro International Airport is the airline’s principal departure point. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Delhi, Kathmandu and Kolkata are its other important scheduled stations.
- Bhutan Airlines operates a small regional network centred on Paro. Because schedules can change, consult the airline’s current destination list and timetable for the active total.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.