Paro International Airport

Though it’s considered to be one of the most dangerous international airport in the the world but what a beautiful flight it was from Kathmandu to Paro. My first flight to Bhutan and I couldn’t leave my window as the view of the Himalayan range was so BEAUTIFUL AND BREATHTAKING. Druk airlines is one of the best airlines where service is considered very very professional, neat & good service. Airport is so grand and picturesque and the flight packed with foreigners only. Return flight is another story. International flight one has to reach 3 hrs before but I went 2 hours before . Sadly no sign of Druk Air people… they came a good half hour late. Enter immigration then look for your business lounge.. but all doors firmly closed. Walk down a flight of stairs and look for a Druk Air attendant hastily he says the ladies are carrying the bakery stuffs lately. Thank God fresh coffee is available but no Suja.. local butter tea. The washrooms lock is broken so I had to place my bag on the floor and pee. Small things but one should not overlook as the airport is bustling with foreign tourists. But loved shopping and buying postage stamps with your photo. Wish they could email a copy too price 500/- IC Indian currency. Otherwise a beautiful airport great service inside the plane and landing SUPERB 🍀👍🍀

I fell in love with paro international airport as soon as i landed. The place is so peaceful, you can directly feel the energy once you are there. The immigration staffs were really hospitile we loved the airport and the architecture that reflects the country as soon as you land there. Getting sim card was easy Changing dollars was easy, they can improve by adding few staff during rush hours. Please note that the 100 and 50 dollar compared to other smaller dollars have different exchange rate. Well I had a smooth experience at the paro international airport.

this is not an airport, this is a museum! The main airport for the country of Bhutan is located just a few miles from the Capitol city and serves as a launching point for anyone wanting to hike tigers nest. There is only one runway and the approach flying in is very unique as it follows the contour of the valley coming close on both sides as the valley is very narrow. Once landing, you walk into the terminal to clear a very easy immigration process as long as you had your visa preapproved. The airport inside and outside is decorated in Bhutan style and is absolutely gorgeous. We took selfies on the tarmac of the outside of the buildings and then couldn’t stop taking additional photos inside as it was just spectacular. Even the baggage claim carousels have the center island filled with replicas of famous monasteries and temples from around the country. These miniature models are truly works of art. The main flagship airline has an exceptionally good safety and maintenance history, has fantastic customer service, and utilizes new airbus aircraft, including the 319 and 321. I would definitely recommend flying in here.

Love this airport Nationally relevant architecture Small and efficient What I like the most is that straight from plane you step off onto the apron and walk to the terminal kind of freely, meanwhile other planes are taxing. It is the most intimate experience of being on the apron I ever had. No other airport allows passengers to just walk over the apron like that. The experience of customs, luggage and etc is super pleasant and friendly.

This airport, though compact, is highly efficient. It is rich in cultural art. It is swiftly accessible and exit is equally swift. Druk Air operates with only five planes, hence, it is advisable to plan ahead. The route is from Delhi.

My first impression is that the airport is similar to the one at Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. It is well maintained and clean, with all services necessary for an international airport with no frills. It has a reputation of being the most dangerous airport in the world for landing and take-off, so I included a video of the takeoff for the viewer’s own judgment.

Paro International Airport, nestled in a deep Himalayan valley beside the Paro Chhu River, is Bhutan’s only international airport and one of the most challenging in the world. Sitting at an elevation of 2,235 meters (7,332 feet), it is famous for its thrilling approach that requires pilots with special certification due to the steep mountains surrounding the runway. The airport’s history traces Bhutan’s path to modernization. Initially built in 1968 for military helicopter use, Paro saw the establishment of Drukair, the national airline, in 1981, followed by its first commercial flight to Kolkata in 1983. Over the years, the runway was expanded, new aircraft were introduced, and a modern terminal was completed in 1999. In 2011, Bhutan Airlines became the nation’s first private carrier, further boosting connectivity. Today, Paro is served exclusively by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, linking Bhutan with major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka, and Singapore. Despite its limited flight routes, the airport is celebrated for its breathtaking landings, excellent safety record, and efficient, compact layout. Travelers often describe arriving at Paro as both a thrilling challenge and a spectacular introduction to Bhutan’s dramatic landscape—an experience as memorable as the destination itself.

One of the most beautiful yet tricky airports in the world. It is often mistaken as “dangerous” airport but in fact it is not! The landing approach to align with the runway makes it a but difficult for pilots but as a passenger all you can do is admire the beauty! Airport is small compared to other high traffic major airports in the world but no one can match the aesthetic of Paro international airport. Placed in the middle of two hills, it makes a grate urban landscape. It feels like an upmarket boutique than a busy airport. It truly reflects Bhutanese culture and architecture in both exterior design and interior. Check in process, immigration and boarding is as smooth as it can be. All the staff members as helpful and polite.