Review Flying with Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines between Bangkok & Paro International Airport

✍ 31 Dec 2023. My first time and first flights with Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines). It was a good experience, comparable to any airline that I had flown with so far.

This post is dedicated to Bhutan and its small but wonderful airline - my visit to Bhutan was my last overseas trip for 2023.

May I take this opportunity to wish all readers Happy New Year! Wish you the best in 2024 🎉

Drukair doesn't have many routes - just between Paro International and Thailand (Bangkok), Singapore, Nepal (Kathmandu), and India (Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Dhaka, Gaya, Bagdogra).

My return flights were between Bangkok and Paro International Airport in Bhutan.

Daily flights from Bangkok to Paro are KB 153 / KB 131.

Daily flights from Paro to Bangkok are KB 152 / KB 130.

Aircraft used was Airbus 319. In the business class, it was comfortable with large well padded seats and good legroom. There were two seats on each side of the aisle.

Bangkok to Paro International Airport (with stop at Bagdogra)

Our flight out of Bangkok was KB 131.

An airport bus drove us from the boarding gate to the waiting aircraft. It's a short ride of less than 5 minutes. We boarded the aircraft through stairs.

Once door closed, we were welcomed with hot towels, welcome drink and chocolate.

The customary but important safety briefing while the aircraft was rolling.

Lining up for take off. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi international airport is always busy.

We were on our way to Paro. Our aircraft casting a shadow as we departed the vast airport.

Once we reached cruising altitude, the stewardess distributed the menu booklets.

Besides the food menu, the hot drink, wine and liquor list was substantial too.

Lunch served, starting with appetiser, bread and fruits.

For the main course, I picked cheese omelette with potato rosti, grilled asparagus, and roasted tomatoes.

It was a simple, pleasant, delicious, filling meal.

In-flight service was attentive, responsive and warm.

Bangkok - Bagdogra flight time was slightly less than 3 hours.

View of the Himalayas as we approached Bagdogra Airport. To see the Himalayas on the Bangkok - Bagdogra - Paro leg, sit on the left of the aisle (while facing the front of aircraft).

Landed at Bagdogra Airport.

Layover was about 30 minutes for passengers and luggages to deplane and also board new passengers. An officer came on board to inspect the carryon luggages in the cabin (overhead compartments).

Soon, we were on our way from Bagdogra to Paro International Airport in Bhutan.

Another view of the Himalayas from our seats on the left side of the aircraft.

Flight time from Bagdogra to Paro was about 30 minutes.

Paro International Airport is one of the most challenging airports to fly in and out of. The airport is located in a valley at a high altitude, runway is short, and surrounded by mountains. The final approach has to be flown manually (no autopilot). Only specially qualified pilots are allowed to operate at Paro International Airport.

We are at Paro International Airport in Bhutan!

Dubbed the "most dangerous airport" in the world, our approach was so smooth, touch down was like a car rolling on the road, thanks to the immaculate skill of our captain 👏👏👏

It was a short walk from the aircraft to the terminal building and into the arrival hall for immigration clearance.

Clearance process was professional, friendly and efficient, thanks also to our documents (e.g. visa) which were in order and printed for inspection.

This is the baggage claim area.

Paro International is a relatively small airport but one of the most beautiful that I've seen.

Soon enough, we were out of the terminal building with our luggages. Our guide, driver and car were already waiting for us.

Paro to Bangkok (with stop at Bagdogra)

Bidding farewell to my guide and driver. My trip was far too short but I leave with many lasting good memories of Bhutan, its food, places, people and culture.

Shall definitely be back for more.

After checking in, clearing security and immigration, relax at the airport lounge and wait for boarding.

Aircraft was waiting, a short walk from the terminal building.

The takeoff run and lift off from Paro International Airport.

On the leg from Paro - Bagdogra - Bangkok, sit on the right side aisle, if you want to see the Himalayas.

Drukair KB 130 approaching Bangkok Suvarnabhumi international airport to land.

The Dragon has landed in Bangkok.

A bus took us from the aircraft to the terminal building for immigration and customs processing.

With this pleasant experience with Drukair, I look forward to flying with the Dragon again in the future.

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Written by Tony Boey on 31 Dec 2023