Getting to Bhutan is not that hard but the options are limited. Find out how to best fly into this remote, landlocked country.

Getting to Bhutan is part of the adventure. There are no long-haul international flights into the country, and all visitors arrive via Paro International Airport — a small airstrip tucked into a Himalayan valley and served by only a handful of flights each day.

For most travellers, this means flying with Drukair, Bhutan’s national carrier, on a regional flight into Paro.

The Main Gateways

Flights into Bhutan operate from a small number of cities:

Bangkok
Singapore
Delhi
Kathmandu
Dubai

Of these, Bangkok is generally the easiest and most reliable option, particularly for Australians. It has excellent international connections and usually offers daily flights to Paro, making planning far simpler.

Singapore is also a good option, but flights are limited to a few days per week.

Delhi works well geographically, but comes with some extra logistics (see below).

Kathmandu can be a fantastic choice if you’re combining Bhutan with a trip to Nepal — and the mountain views on this sector are often spectacular.

Dubai has also operated flights in recent years, but these are limited to only a few days per week and are currently subject to disruption due to instability in the Middle East.

Transit and Timing: The Key Detail

One of the most important things to understand is that you usually cannot simply “transit” onto your Bhutan flight in the usual sense.

In most cases (Bangkok, Delhi, etc.), you will need to:

Clear immigration
Collect your luggage
Check in again for your Drukair flight

This means allowing plenty of time between flights — or ideally planning an overnight stop. Tight connections are risky, and with limited flights into Bhutan, a missed connection can mean a significant delay.

There is one exception worth noting: if you are flying with Thai Airways into Bangkok, there is an interline agreement with Drukair that can allow for through check-in and easier transit. This isn’t always guaranteed, but it can simplify the process.

A Note on Bangkok Overnight Stays

If you’re routing via Bangkok, it’s worth planning for a night near the airport. Flights to Bhutan typically depart very early in the morning, and trying to connect straight through can be stressful.

There are plenty of options depending on your style. The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is a comfortable five-star option right at the airport and ideal if you want a proper rest before an early start.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are budget options within the terminal itself, including capsule-style accommodation. I stayed in one on my last trip — basic, with shared facilities back in the airport — but perfect for a late arrival and early departure when a full hotel stay doesn’t make much sense.

Important Visa Considerations (India)

If you choose to route via Delhi, you will need to arrange an Indian visa in advance.

Because you must clear immigration to check in for your Bhutan flight, you cannot remain airside in transit. This applies on both arrival and departure — so if you are flying into Bhutan via India and returning the same way, you will need a visa (or visas) that cover both entries.

Why Bangkok Works Best

For most of our clients — especially those travelling from Australia — Bangkok remains the simplest option:

Frequent flights to Bhutan
Excellent global connections
Easy and comfortable place to stop overnight

It breaks up the journey nicely before heading into the mountains.

Booking Your Flights

Flights to Bhutan aren’t always straightforward to book online, and availability can be limited.

For Australian clients, we work with a trusted local agent who can arrange Drukair flights and coordinate them with the tour.

For those travelling from elsewhere, we can organise flights through my partner agent in Bhutan as part of your booking.

Final Tip

Give yourself time.

Getting to Bhutan isn’t about speed — and trying to rush it is where things can unravel. Plan a comfortable connection, allow for the extra steps, and treat the journey as part of the experience.

Because that final flight into Paro, weaving through the mountains, is something you won’t forget.

Getting to Bhutan