Quantcast

Paro International Airport poses unique challenges for pilots

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Global Industry News
Paro International Airport poses unique challenges for pilots
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Kingdom of Bhutan, located in the eastern Himalayas near Nepal, Tibet, and India, is known for its remote location and unique culture. This combination has made it a popular destination for adventurous travelers. Tourism in Bhutan has increased by an average of 10% annually over the past decade, with more than 500,000 visitors expected this year.

However, reaching Bhutan is not without challenges. The flight into Paro International Airport (PBH) is considered one of the most difficult in the world. Only about 50 pilots are qualified to land there due to the complexity of the approach. The airport's setting in a deep valley surrounded by peaks as high as 18,000 feet requires precise maneuvers from pilots.

Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport and features a single terminal and a short runway just over 7,000 feet long. The approach involves descending through the Paro River valley and making sharp turns to align with the runway.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
Subscribe
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Several factors contribute to Paro's reputation as a challenging airport. Its elevation at 7,364 feet affects aircraft performance due to density altitude. Pilots must also navigate visually without radar or ILS guidance. Additionally, weather conditions such as anabatic and katabatic winds can complicate landings.

Captain Chimi Dorji of Drukair describes landing at Paro as "difficult but not dangerous" for experienced pilots. He emphasizes that pilots need local skills and knowledge, which are developed through extensive training specific to flying into Paro.

Pilots approved to land at Paro undergo rigorous training that includes simulator tests and practical experience under supervision before they can fly unsupervised.

Two airlines operate flights into Paro: Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines. Drukair was founded in 1981 and operates a small fleet including ATR 42-600s and Airbus A319s/A320neos on various regional routes. Bhutan Airlines began operations in 2011 with two ex-China Eastern A319s serving routes via Kolkata and Kathmandu.

For those interested in challenging airports beyond Paro, options include Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Nepal, Saba Airport in the Dutch Caribbean, Courchevel Altiport in France, and Madeira Airport in Portugal.

Organizations Included in this History
Simple Flying
More News

Oman Air to increase flights to Heathrow, plans double daily service next summer

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis-St. Paul airport schedules runway improvements for 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta to expand Atlanta-Anchorage flights to year-round service

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

Southwest Airlines faces scrutiny after 2022 holiday meltdown and policy changes

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford's Cessna Citation Sovereign: A Look Inside His Private Jet

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia debuts first overnight flight from Europe to the US with new Dallas schedule

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025

Aviation Comments
Loading...

No comments available.

Trending
1

Oman Air to increase flights to Heathrow, plans double daily service next summer