Druk AirKB

Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) is the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Paro. The airline holds the distinction of being one of only two carriers permitted to operate into Bhutan, serving as the primary air link between the Himalayan kingdom and the outside world.

The airline operates a small but modern fleet consisting of Airbus A319 aircraft for international routes and ATR 42 turboprops for domestic services. Druk Air connects Bhutan to key cities across South Asia and Southeast Asia, including Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Singapore.

Druk Air is best known for operating into Paro International Airport (PBH), one of the world's most challenging airports. The approach requires pilots to navigate through narrow Himalayan valleys with mountains rising to over 5,500 meters on either side, making it a bucket-list experience for aviation enthusiasts. Only a handful of specially certified pilots are qualified to land at Paro.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 10" (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
• Weight limit: 8 kg (18 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead bin

Small personal items such as handbags, laptop bags, or camera bags are also permitted in addition to the cabin bag.

Checked Baggage

Druk Air uses the weight concept system rather than piece concept, which is common among Asian carriers. This means your total weight allowance matters more than the number of bags.

Class	Weight Allowance	Notes
Economy	30 kg (66 lbs)	Generous by regional standards
Business	40 kg (88 lbs)	Premium allowance

Size Limits:

• Maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm / 62 inches (length + width + height)
• Each individual bag should not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) for handling purposes

Excess Baggage

Excess baggage is charged per kilogram over your allowance. Rates vary by route. Due to the small aircraft and weight restrictions for the Paro approach, excess baggage availability may be limited during peak season or on heavily booked flights.

Tip: Pay for excess baggage at the departure airport check-in counter. Space and weight constraints on Paro-bound flights mean excess baggage may occasionally be bumped to the next available flight.

Special Items

Item	Policy	Notes
Golf clubs	Charged as excess	Weight-based pricing
Skis/snowboards	Charged as excess	Contact airline in advance
Bicycles	Contact airline	Must be boxed, advance booking required
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aid	Free	Advance notice recommended

Musical Instruments: Small instruments may be carried in the cabin if they fit within cabin bag dimensions. Larger instruments require advance arrangement with the airline.

Druk Air offers two cabin classes on its Airbus A319 aircraft: Business Class and Economy Class.

Business Class:

• Seat pitch: 40 inches (102 cm)
• Seat width: 20 inches (51 cm)
• Recliner seats with generous legroom
• Priority boarding and deplaning
• Enhanced meal service with Bhutanese cuisine options
• Complimentary drinks including local Bhutanese beverages
• Hot towel service

Economy Class:

• Seat pitch: 32 inches (81 cm)
• Seat width: 18 inches (46 cm)
• Standard recline
• Complimentary meals on all flights
• Non-alcoholic beverages included
• Snacks and light refreshments

Catering: All flights include complimentary meals reflecting Bhutanese hospitality. Menu options typically include:

• Bhutanese dishes (ema datshi, rice-based meals)
• Indian/Continental alternatives
• Vegetarian options available

Entertainment:

• No seatback screens
• Personal devices recommended for entertainment
• In-flight magazine featuring Bhutanese culture and travel

The Scenic Experience: The highlight of any Druk Air flight is the spectacular approach into Paro. Passengers are treated to views of the Himalayan peaks including glimpses of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other 8,000-meter summits. The dramatic descent through the Paro valley, with the aircraft banking between mountain ridges, is unforgettable. Request a window seat on the left side for the best mountain views when approaching Paro.

Booking:

• Book directly through drukair.com.bt or licensed Bhutan tour operators
• Peak season (March-May, September-November) flights fill quickly; book months ahead
• Consider flexible dates; weather cancellations happen

At the Airport:

• Arrive at least 3 hours early; Paro airport is small and gets crowded
• Bring snacks and entertainment; delays are possible
• Keep electronics charged; limited charging stations at Paro

The Flight:

• Request window seats for the Himalayan views (left side approaching Paro)
• Cameras ready for the stunning final approach
• Morning flights often have clearer weather than afternoon

Paro Approach:

• The landing is safe but dramatic; enjoy the experience
• Only about 24 pilots worldwide are certified for Paro
• Flights operate only in daylight hours (approximately 6 AM to 6 PM)
• Visual flight rules only; instrument approaches not possible due to terrain

Money Matters:

• Bhutan's currency (Ngultrum/BTN) is pegged 1:1 to Indian Rupee (INR)
• USD is widely accepted for tourist services in Bhutan
• Credit cards accepted at Druk Air offices and major hotels

Travel Requirements:

• All tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must book through a licensed tour operator
• Daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) applies for visiting Bhutan
• Your tour operator handles visa and flight bookings as a package
• Independent backpacker-style travel is not permitted in Bhutan

What to Expect:

• Service is warm and reflects Bhutanese hospitality
• Fleet is small but modern (A319s are well-maintained)
• Frequencies are limited; typically daily or every-other-day on most routes
• This is not a budget carrier; pricing reflects Bhutan's controlled tourism model