DrukAir – On wings of the Dragon or Bhutan Airline.Bhutan opened up to the outside world breaking away from its self imposed isolation under the reign of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
In 1981, 12 years after the construction of the first motor road in the country, an airstrip was built in the Paro valley following the Royal Charter issued by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. This marked a change of epic proportion founding the national airline of Bhutan, DrukAir.
From its first flights from Calcutta to Paro in 1983 utilizing Dornier Do 228 aircraft, DrukAir has come a long way. Today, Druk Air with two Airbus A319 and newly acquired ATR 42-500 aircraft operates flights to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand covering seven destinations in these South Asian countries. And with the recent introduction of DrukAir’s domestic flights to Chamkhar in Bumthang, and Yongphula in Tashigang, reducing the travel time to central and eastern Bhutan.
Located at an altitude of 2,235 metres (7,333 ft) above sea level, Paro Airport is a picture perfect setting situated on the side of the River, and surrounded by lush paddy fields and mountains towering as high as 4,900 metres (16,100 ft.). Though visitors describe the landing on the narrow airstrip as a hair-raising event, DrukAir boasts of having a clean track record making it one of the safest airlines in the region.
Drukair Policy .As required by government regulations all visitors must travel at least one way into Bhutan by Royal Bhutan Airlines, Druk Air. Druk Air operates from Bangkok (BKK), Kolkatta, Delhi (DEL) and Kathmandu (KTM) to Paro. Entry is permitted only by Druk Air into Paro or overland through Phuentsholing accompanied by a guide.
Druk Air Cancellation Policy
Druk Air tickets are valid for one year from the date of issue. Passengers who reschedule their flights will be subject to a $30 re booking fee. Druk Air tickets are subject to the following cancellation and refund rules.
- 85% refund for tickets canceled more than 45 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan
- 35% refund for tickets canceled between 30 and 45 days prior to arrival date
- No refund for tickets canceled within 30 days of arrival date in Bhutan
- An administration fee of $25 per ticket will be applicable for all canceled tickets
- Passengers who fail to show up for a flight will not be eligible for a refund
- Lost tickets are nonrefundable
