How to Fly to Bhutan: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Transit Flights

Here’s everything you need to know about flying to Bhutan, along with tips on selecting the best transit flights from various international airports.
1. Bhutan's International Connectivity

Bhutan is directly connected to only a few countries. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the two primary airlines that operate flights to Paro. The cities with direct connections to Paro include:

• Bangkok (BKK)

• Delhi (DEL)

• Kolkata (CCU)

• Kathmandu (KTM)

• Dhaka (DAC)

• Singapore (SIN) (seasonal)

Given this limited connectivity, many travelers will need to take connecting flights from their home country to one of these major hubs before catching their flight to Paro.

2. How to Choose Your Transit Airport

When planning a trip to Bhutan, the choice of your transit airport can greatly impact the ease and cost of your journey. Here's a detailed look at each major airport and tips for making your transit smooth.

A. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand

• Best for: Travelers from Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America

• Airlines operating to Paro: Bhutan Airlines, Druk Air

• Transit Tips:

  • Flight Frequency: Bangkok is one of the most well-connected cities with daily flights to Paro, making it an ideal choice for travelers.

  • Flight Times: Bhutan Airlines has a morning flight from Bangkok at 6:30 AM, arriving in Paro at 9:55 AM. Druk Air has similar early morning schedules, so make sure to book a night flight into Bangkok to ensure you have enough time for the transit.

  • Airport Convenience: Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is a large, modern hub with plenty of facilities for dining, shopping, and relaxation. Overnight layovers can be comfortable here, with transit hotels and lounges available.

  • Visa Requirements: Most travelers won't need a visa for short layovers in Thailand, but it’s worth checking if your nationality requires a transit visa.

B. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), India

• Best for: Travelers from the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Indian subcontinent

• Airlines operating to Paro: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines

• Transit Tips:

  • Flight Frequency: Delhi has frequent flights to Paro, and it’s a convenient option for travelers from various parts of the world. Direct flights are usually available 3-4 times a week.

  • Flight Times: Most flights to Paro depart in the morning or early afternoon, so arriving in Delhi the night before your Bhutan-bound flight is recommended.

  • Airport Convenience: Delhi’s Terminal 3 is a world-class facility with an array of amenities, including luxury lounges, spas, and sleep pods for transit passengers.

  • Visa Requirements: Indian nationals do not need a visa for Bhutan, but international travelers transiting through India may require a transit visa if they need to pass immigration for layovers exceeding 24 hours.

C. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Nepal

• Best for: Travelers from South Asia, adventure seekers, and those planning to visit Nepal en route to Bhutan

• Airlines operating to Paro: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines

• Transit Tips:

  • Flight Frequency: Kathmandu has fewer flights to Paro compared to Delhi or Bangkok, but it remains a favored transit point due to its proximity and scenic flight path into Bhutan.

  • Flight Times: Flights are scheduled for the early morning, which means arriving in Kathmandu the day before is ideal. The Kathmandu-Paro flight is also one of the most scenic in the world, offering stunning views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

  • Airport Convenience: Kathmandu’s airport is more basic in comparison to Delhi or Bangkok, but it serves as a convenient hub for travelers in South Asia. Prepare for fewer amenities, and plan for a shorter, smoother layover.

  • Visa Requirements: Nepal offers visas on arrival for most nationalities. However, if you’re only transiting for a few hours, a visa won’t be necessary.

D. Changi International Airport (SIN), Singapore

• Best for: Travelers from Southeast Asia, Australia, and select parts of North America

• Airlines operating to Paro: Druk Air

• Transit Tips:

  • Flight Frequency: Singapore has seasonal flights to Paro, typically operating a few times a week during peak travel seasons. Check flight schedules in advance, as they can be limited.

  • Flight Times: Like other airports, flights to Bhutan from Singapore depart in the morning. Aim for a flight into Singapore that arrives the evening before to avoid any rush.

  • Airport Convenience: Changi Airport is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, making it a fantastic transit point. You’ll find everything from rooftop pools to butterfly gardens here, making layovers a pleasure.

  • Visa Requirements: Many nationalities can transit through Singapore without a visa. Always check ahead to confirm your country’s status.

E. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata

• Best for: Indian travelers or those in Eastern India

• Airlines operating to Paro: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines

• Transit Tips:

  • Flight Frequency: Kolkata has frequent flights to Bhutan, and due to its proximity, the flight to Paro is quite short. This makes it a convenient and inexpensive option for Indian travelers.

  • Flight Times: The flight times are typically early morning, so aim for an overnight flight or early morning connection to Kolkata.

  • Airport Convenience: Kolkata’s airport is small but functional, with sufficient amenities for transit passengers. Layovers here tend to be short due to the close proximity of flights.

  • Visa Requirements: Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. International travelers should check if they need a visa to transit through India.

3. Booking Tips for Flights to Bhutan

• Book Early: Flights to Bhutan, especially during the peak tourist season (March-May and September-November), sell out quickly. To secure your seat, it’s advisable to book at least 2-3 months in advance.

• Check Layover Durations: Ensure that you have ample time between your arrival at the transit airport and your flight to Paro. Remember that Paro-bound flights often depart early in the morning, so plan your layover with care.

• Consider Weather: Paro is known for its challenging terrain, and flights are subject to weather conditions. This is more common during the monsoon season (June-August), so it’s a good idea to build some buffer time into your itinerary in case of flight delays.

4. Final Thoughts

Flying to Bhutan is an exciting adventure, and while it requires careful planning due to the limited flights, the journey to this magical kingdom is well worth the effort. Choose your transit flights wisely based on convenience, layover duration, and connection times, and you’ll find yourself embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.