Paro International Airport PBH

Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport. It is about 6 km from the town of Paro and about 54 km from the capital, Thimphu, in a Himalayan valley at roughly 2,235 m, surrounded by peaks up to 5,500 m. It is famous as one of the hardest landings in the world, and only a small group of pilots is certified to operate here. It handled around 190,000 passengers in 2023.

Terminals

There is a single terminal, dating from 1999, with traditional decoration and an interior refresh with art installations in 2022. It is small, so everything is a few steps away. With so few flights, arrival, passport control and baggage collection are quick.

Airlines and destinations

Only two Bhutanese airlines operate: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. They connect to regional hubs such as Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Dubai, with some seasonal routes such as Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City. Domestic flights, such as the one to Bumthang, also leave from Paro.

Services

Services are basic: cafés, shops and information desks. There is a Drukair lounge for business-class passengers, and lounge-access cards such as Priority Pass are not accepted. A taxi is the usual way to get to and from the airport.

Tips

Flights operate only in visual conditions and in daylight, between sunrise and sunset, so weather can cause delays or diversions. There is no visa on arrival: you must have your Bhutan visa approved before you fly. If you come on a tour, your guide or agency usually meets you at the exit. If you can, pick a window seat: the descent between the mountains is part of the experience.