Your Flight to Bhutan and related information guidelines.
This article highlights the ways to enter Bhutan. How to book your flights to Bhutan and also other information regarding the flight baggage allowances, flight charges, and the ways and procedures to enter Bhutan via road.
Generally, there are two ways to enter and exit Bhutan – by Air and Land:
1. Entry into Bhutan by Air
Bhutan has only one international airport that caters to the needs of visitors coming by air. The only international airport has two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan: Druk Air – Royal Bhutan Airlines which is owned by the government of Bhutan, and Bhutan Airlines, owned by a private company – Tashi Air Private Limited.
a. Druk Air - Royal Bhutan Airlines:
Drukair, also known as Drukair Corporation Limited, proudly serves as the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Established on April 5, 1981, under the Royal Proclamation of His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, this remarkable airline is headquartered in the charming town of Paro, Bhutan.
Currently, Drukair operates scheduled flights to 9 international destinations across 5 South Asian countries. Its operational hub is Paro International Airport, offering seamless connections to and from Bhutan. Beyond its fixed-wing operations, Drukair goes the extra mile, encompassing 3 domestic destinations within Bhutan.
b. Tashi Air Private Limited -Bhutan Airlines:
In 1959, the visionary Late Dasho Ugen Dorji founded the Tashi Group of Companies, with a profound commitment to showcasing the finest aspects of Bhutan, in harmony with the guidance of His Majesty for the Kingdom's progress.
On December 4, 2011, Bhutan Airlines marked a historic milestone by launching its inaugural aircraft—a Pilatus PC12 configured for 8 passengers—commencing domestic operations. Shortly after, on October 10, 2013, the airline expanded its horizons with its first international flight from Paro to Bangkok. Later, on December 16, 2013, it initiated daily scheduled flights to Kolkata, utilizing an Airbus A320 aircraft capable of comfortably accommodating 150 passengers.
Today, Bhutan Airlines boasts a fleet with two A319 aircraft, meticulously designed to host 126 passengers. This includes 12 Business Class seats for a premium experience and 114 Economy seats for a comfortable journey. The airline operates daily flights from Bangkok to Paro via Kolkata, India, and three weekly flights to Delhi via Kathmandu, enhancing connectivity and accessibility to the beauty of Bhutan.
The following tables compare the differences between the two airlines in Bhutan in various aspects as follows:
Destinations:
| Druk Air - Royal Bhutan Airlines | Tashi Air Private Limited - Bhutan Airlines |
|---|---|
| International Destinations (9): Bangkok, Dhaka, Singapore, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdora, Bodh Gaya, Kathmandu, & Delhi. Domestic Destinations (3): Gelephu, Yonphula (Trashigang), & Bathpalathang (Bumthang). |
International Destinations (4): Bangkok, Kolkata, Kathmandu, & Delhi. |
Flight Schedules:
| Druk Air - Royal Bhutan Airlines | Tashi Air Private Limited - Bhutan Airlines |
|---|---|
| The Flight Schedules provided are subject to change. For accurate flight schedules, refer to the official website of Drukair- Royal Bhutan Airlines. | The Flight Schedules provided are subject to change. For accurate flight schedules, refer to the official website of Bhutan Airlines. |
Fares:
| Druk Air - Royal Bhutan Airlines | Tashi Air Private Limited - Bhutan Airlines |
|---|---|
| The Fares are subject to change. For accurate and latest flight rates to different destinations, Check out their Official Website Here. | The Fares are subject to change. For accurate and latest flight rates to different destinations, Check out their Official Website Here. |
Documents and Checklists:
Before you embark on your journey, it's crucial to gather all the necessary travel documents to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. These documents may include your ticket, a valid passport or other photo identification, and any required visas. Here's what you need to know and it applies to both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
| Documents/Checklists: | Description |
|---|---|
| Tickets | To travel on any domestic or international flight, a valid airline ticket is essential. If you have an electronic ticket (e-ticket), which you should carry with you throughout your travels. You can carry the e-ticket in your email or have it printed out. |
| Passport & Visa: | All foreign travelers to Bhutan must obtain a visa clearance letter from the Department of Immigration of Bhutan before their flight. A copy of the visa clearance letter must be presented during check-in and at the point of entry, where the visa will be stamped in the passport. |
| Arrival Documents: | For international flights, you may need to complete Arrival and Customs Declaration Forms. These forms will be provided at check-in, during the flight, or upon arrival at the airport. Present the completed forms to passport control or customs officials. |
| Other Important Information: | Make copies of important documents, such as your return ticket, visa, travel insurance policy, and hotel bookings. Bring both electronic and physical copies with you for easy access. Research health and safety concerns specific to your destination, and take necessary precautions like vaccinations and travel insurance for a safe and enjoyable trip. |
Baggage Allowances and Guidelines:
| Baggage Details | Druk Air - Royal Bhutan Airlines | Tashi Air Private Limited - Bhutan Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Baggage Allowance | Business Class: 40 kg (88 pounds) Economy Class: 30 kg (66 pounds) Infants: Infants, paying only 10% of the applicable airfare, are not entitled to any free baggage allowance. |
Business Class: 40 kg (88 pounds) Economy Class: 30 kg (66 pounds) For Gaya-Paro Sector: Business Class: 30 KG Economy Class: 20 KG |
| Hand Baggage | Cabin baggage should fit in the overhead bin and must not exceed 45 + 35 + 20 cm (17 + 13 + 8 inches) in size. The weight limit is 5 kg in Economy Class and 7 kg in Business Class. | Your carry-on bags in the cabin should comply with dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm and a maximum weight of 7 kgs. |
| Additional Free Carry-on Items | In addition to your free baggage allowance, you may carry certain items free of charge. These include a ladies’ handbag, overcoat, umbrella, small camera, reading material, infants' food, and more. Items like flight bags, large cameras, and similar items will be weighed, and excess baggage charges may apply. Limited Quantities: Small quantities of medicines and toiletries necessary during your journey, such as hairsprays, perfumes, and alcohol-containing medicines, may be carried. Please ensure compliance with regulations for these items. Television Carriage: Drukair now accepts televisions up to 65 inches within the permissible baggage allowance. However, the airline will not be liable for damages, as these items fall under Limited Release. |
In addition to one piece of cabin baggage, you may carry items such as a handbag, overcoat, blanket, camera, reading material, infant's feed, collapsible wheelchair, gift items from duty-free shops, walking stick, umbrella, feeding bottle, shaving kit (excluding razors), required medicines, laptops, and cell phones. Non-conforming cabin baggage will be removed at the gate, labeled as "Limited Release Baggage," and loaded in the hold. Children (above 12 years old) are entitled to the same cabin baggage allowances as adults. |
| Excess Baggage Fees | Excess baggage fees are calculated at 1.5% of the highest normal adult one-way economy class fare or as specified in Druk Air's Term and Fare sheet. Check out the Latest Rates here. | If your baggage surpasses the specified Free Baggage allowance, you will be required to pay excess baggage charges as per the rates outlined in their policy. Check out the Latest Rates here. |
| Permissible Items | For Details about Permissbile Items on Druk Air - Royal Bhutan Airlines, Contact thier team here. | Permissible Drinks: You can carry drinks in containers up to 100ml, which must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag not exceeding 20cm x 20cm in size. You can purchase drinks beyond security for consumption on the plane. Food Items: Solid foods, fruits, and vegetables are allowed in hand baggage. Foods in sauces or with high liquid content must comply with the same 100ml container limit as liquids. Baby Products: You can carry wet wipes and powdered baby food. Liquids and gels require tasting verification. When traveling with infants, you can bring car seats on board, but they need to be lifted during X-ray checks. Electrical Items: Some airports may request removal of MP3 players, laptops, and similar devices for separate screening. Digital cameras and mobile phones can stay in your hand baggage. Cosmetics and Toiletries: Solid deodorants, lipsticks, and related items are allowed in hand baggage. Razors with enclosed blades and cartridges are permitted. Certain items must be in containers less than 100ml and placed in a transparent, resealable bag. Medicines/Medical Equipment: Medicines are limited to 100ml and must be carried in a transparent, resealable bag. Essential medical equipment requires prior approval from your airline. Non-prescription medicines can be purchased after security. Smoking Materials: Cigarettes and tobacco products are allowed in hand baggage. Lighters and matches are not permitted in checked or hand baggage, except for one butane lighter carried on your person. Writing Materials: Various types of pens are allowed. Duty-Free Items: Duty-free items from Bhutan's departure airport are allowed on the aircraft if uniquely identifiable and labeled as "Duty Free Items" with an attached cash receipt. |
| Prohibited Items | For safety reasons, certain dangerous items must not be carried in your baggage, including compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable substances, radioactive materials, and other prohibited articles. Please consult with the airline or relevant regulations for specific details. | Prohibited Items in Hand Baggage: Prohibited items include toy guns, razor blades, sharp knives and scissors (with blades longer than 6cm), tools, darts, and more. These are not exhaustive and are not allowed on the aircraft. Forbidden on the Aircraft: Prohibited items on the aircraft include acids, poisons, flammable liquids, explosives, matches or lighters (except on your person), bleach, incapacitating sprays, ignitable gas devices, and compressed gas. |
| Lost & Mishandlged Baggage | Ensure Identification: To facilitate easy identification, kindly label both the interior and exterior of your luggage with your name, address, and contact number. Get Name Labels: Name labels are conveniently available at all Drukair offices and check-in counters. Lock Your Luggage: For security, remember to lock your baggage to prevent any accidental openings. Valuables and Fragile Items: The airline cannot be held liable for the loss, damage, or delays in delivering fragile or valuable items, including money, jewelry, business documents, and medicines, whether they are included in your baggage with or without the airline's knowledge. |
If you encounter damaged, delayed, or lost baggage, please immediately inform Bhutan Airlines personnel in the arrival area and file a report. You will receive a copy of the report with a reference number for further follow-up. In the case of arriving at your destination without your checked baggage, rest assured that we are dedicated to expediting the delivery of your baggage to you. For lost baggage, compensation will be in accordance with the company's policy, which calculates compensation at a rate of USD 20 per kg. Passengers on international routes should report damage to their baggage in writing to the carrier immediately upon discovery, and no later than 3 working days. They will promptly notify you once your baggage is located and arrange for its delivery to your specified address, subject to local customs regulations. Alternatively, you may opt to collect your baggage at the airport, and they will reimburse the transportation costs. |
Helicopter Services
Drukair Helicopter Services, formerly known as Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services (RBHSL), was established as a State-Owned Enterprise on July 9, 2015, in accordance with the Companies Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2000. Their mission is to offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative transportation solution within the country, focusing on safety, comfort, and reliability.
The services encompass various crucial functions, including search and rescue operations, air medical evacuations, firefighting, cargo transportation, VIP and government official transport, and potential applications in tourism. They are dedicated to enhancing accessibility and convenience for travelers and locals alike.
The Drukair Helicopter Services provides various and unique packages including the Heli-Scenic Tours of the Western Bhutan, Heli-Scenic Tours of the Eastern Bhutan, and Heli-Biking Tours. For more details about the tour packages and the rates, visit their Official Website Here.
Entering into Bhutan by Land
Bhutan currently has four entry ports via Land at the bordering towns of Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. You can either bring your Indian-registered vehicles into Bhutan or come through a Bhutanese vehicle arranged by a tour operator based in Bhutan. For detailed information on bringing an Indian Registered Vehicle to Bhutan, check our comprehensive guideline here.
