Drukair
Bhutan's state-owned flag carrier, operating scheduled regional services from Paro with a fleet suited to demanding Himalayan flying conditions.
About Drukair
Drukair, formally Drukair Corporation Limited, is the national airline of Bhutan. The carrier was established in 1981 by royal charter and began scheduled operations in 1983, giving the landlocked Himalayan kingdom its first regular air links with neighboring countries. It is owned by the Royal Government of Bhutan and trades internationally as Drukair, with the Royal Bhutan Airlines identity also appearing in its branding.
Paro is Drukair's primary hub and the center of its network. The airline operates 19 routes serving 8 destinations across 5 countries, connecting Bhutan with important regional gateways in South and Southeast Asia. Its destinations include Bangkok, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kolkata, Dhaka, New Delhi and Singapore. Some services make intermediate stops, so travelers should check the complete itinerary when comparing flights.
The recorded fleet includes Airbus A319 aircraft and turboprops from the Aerospatiale/Alenia ATR family. The A319 supports longer regional sectors, while the smaller ATR is suited to shorter routes and airports where operating conditions favor turboprop aircraft. Drukair offers Economy Class across its network and Business Class on selected Airbus services, with the cabin product and onboard service varying by aircraft and route.
Drukair is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, so passengers should not expect alliance-wide earning, redemption or reciprocal status benefits. Its own loyalty programme is My Happiness Reward, through which registered members can earn benefits on eligible Drukair travel. Travelers should review the programme's current earning rules and eligibility conditions directly with the airline before booking.
Drukair's principal strength is the direct access it provides to Bhutan through a network designed around Paro, one of the world's more operationally demanding airports. Mountain weather, restricted operating conditions and the limited number of daily services can make schedules more vulnerable to disruption than at larger hubs. Building flexibility into onward plans and avoiding tight separate-ticket connections is therefore prudent.
Good to know
Flying with Drukair — what to expect
Paro Weather
Operations at Paro depend heavily on daylight, visibility and mountain weather. Leave extra time before important onward arrangements, particularly when traveling on separate tickets.
Check Intermediate Stops
Some Drukair services may include an intermediate stop even when sold under one flight number. Review the full itinerary and total journey time before booking.
Aircraft Differences
Flights may use either Airbus A319 jets or ATR turboprops. Cabin layout, Business Class availability and onboard amenities can therefore differ by route.
Baggage Conditions
Baggage allowances depend on cabin, fare and itinerary. Confirm the allowance shown on your ticket, especially if connecting to another airline under a separate booking.
Limited Rebooking Options
Drukair's compact network can mean fewer same-day alternatives after disruption. Flexible travel plans and suitable travel insurance are useful when visiting Bhutan.
Airport Check-In
Arrive with ample time for document and baggage checks, particularly at regional airports. Online services may not replace an airport counter check for every itinerary.
Network overview
Where Drukair flies
Drukair operates 19 routes to 8 destinations across 5 countries, its longest sector reaching Kolkata to Singapore (2,902 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Drukair flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Kolkata → Singapore
2,902 km · CCU → SIN
The longest sector in the Drukair network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Drukair
Notable destinations on Drukair's network.
KBParodirectKBBangkokdirectKBBagdogradirectKBGuwahatidirectKBKolkatadirectKBDhakadirectKBNew DelhidirectKBSingaporedirectDestination list is indicative of Drukair's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Bhutan
Other airlines based in Bhutan
FAQ
Drukair — 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
- The busiest departure points by route count are Paro, Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka and Guwahati. Paro is the airline's principal hub.
- Lower fares are generally easier to find when booking early and avoiding Bhutan's busiest spring and autumn travel periods. Compare flexible dates, but consider the fare's change and cancellation conditions as well as its price.
- Drukair serves exactly 8 destinations across 5 countries, operating 19 routes.
- Drukair's primary hub is Paro Airport in Bhutan. Paro is its busiest departure point and the operational center of the airline's international network.
- Drukair's longest route is Kolkata to Singapore, covering about 2,902 km nonstop.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Drukair's cabin-baggage allowance can vary by fare, cabin and aircraft. Check the current limit on your booking or with the airline before departure, as smaller ATR aircraft may have more restricted storage.
- Drukair connects Paro with regional cities including Bangkok, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kolkata, Dhaka, New Delhi and Singapore. Some itineraries may operate with an intermediate stop.