List of Airports in Bhutan
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Bhutan according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Bhutan are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Bhutan
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paro Airport | PBH | Paro | Small |
Major Airports in Bhutan
1. Paro International Airport (PBH)
Airport Code
PBH
Time Zone
UTC +6 (Bhutan Time)
Address
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Nearby Cities
- Paro (3.5 miles)
- Thimphu (38 miles)
- Phuentsholing (97 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Druk Air
- Bhutan Airlines
- Air India
- Thai Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic
Approximately 100,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan and serves as the gateway to this beautiful and culturally rich Himalayan kingdom. Located in the Paro Valley, surrounded by mountains, the airport sits at an elevation of over 7,300 feet, making it one of the most challenging airports in the world to operate. The airport was opened in 1968 and has since undergone several expansions to accommodate both domestic and international flights. Paro is primarily known for being the landing point for travelers to Bhutan, connecting the country to major international hubs, particularly in India, Thailand, and Nepal. Due to the mountainous terrain and limited visibility, only a few pilots are trained to land at Paro Airport, making it an exceptional feat of aviation engineering.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Paro International Airport has one terminal and one runway:
- Runway 15/33: 1,980 meters (6,496 feet)
Due to its location in a narrow valley, Paro International Airport cannot accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. It mainly handles smaller aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and ATR 42. The terminal offers basic amenities such as check-in counters, duty-free shopping, baggage handling, and restaurants. The airport’s infrastructure is built to support both domestic and international flights, but its limited size and location make it one of the most unique airports in the world, attracting aviation enthusiasts and travelers from around the globe. Despite the challenges, the airport plays a vital role in connecting Bhutan to the outside world.
2. Bumthang Airport (BUT)
Airport Code
BUT
Time Zone
UTC +6 (Bhutan Time)
Address
Bumthang Airport, Bumthang, Bhutan
Nearby Cities
- Jakar (2 miles)
- Trongsa (65 miles)
- Thimphu (125 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Druk Air
Annual Passenger Traffic
Approximately 10,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Bumthang Airport is a small domestic airport located in the central part of Bhutan, serving the Bumthang Valley, one of the most picturesque and culturally significant regions of the country. The airport opened in 1992 and is primarily used for domestic flights connecting Bumthang with the capital, Thimphu, and other regions in Bhutan. Bumthang is known for its monasteries, festivals, and the rich history of Bhutan, making the airport an important entry point for both locals and tourists. While it is not a hub for international flights, Bumthang Airport plays a crucial role in supporting tourism and providing convenient access to Bhutan’s central region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bumthang Airport has one terminal and one runway:
- Runway 09/27: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The airport can accommodate smaller aircraft, such as the ATR 42 and other regional planes, but it does not have the capacity to handle larger, wide-body aircraft. The terminal is equipped with basic services such as check-in counters, baggage handling, and a small waiting area. Despite its small size, Bumthang Airport serves as an important regional link for both domestic travel and tourism in Bhutan. The airport’s infrastructure is basic but functional, and it continues to support the flow of visitors to Bhutan’s central and eastern regions.
3. Gelephu Airport (GLU)
Airport Code
GLU
Time Zone
UTC +6 (Bhutan Time)
Address
Gelephu Airport, Gelephu, Bhutan
Nearby Cities
- Gelephu (1 mile)
- Sarpang (22 miles)
- Phuentsholing (65 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Druk Air
Annual Passenger Traffic
Approximately 5,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Gelephu Airport is located in the southern part of Bhutan, near the Indian border, in the town of Gelephu. The airport opened in 2011 to provide better connectivity between Bhutan and India, particularly for travelers coming to Bhutan from the southern Indian states. Gelephu is known for being the primary entry point for road travelers crossing into Bhutan from India, and the airport serves as a backup to Paro Airport, providing additional access to the country. While it is not a major hub for international flights, Gelephu Airport plays an important role in Bhutan’s regional transport network, especially for visitors arriving from neighboring countries.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Gelephu Airport has one terminal and one runway:
- Runway 12/30: 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)
The runway can accommodate smaller aircraft such as the ATR 42 and other regional aircraft, but it is not capable of handling wide-body aircraft. The terminal offers basic facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and small waiting areas. Despite its limited size, Gelephu Airport is an important gateway for travelers coming from India and serves as a valuable transportation link for southern Bhutan. The airport continues to see gradual improvements in infrastructure, with plans to expand its services and capacity as regional travel increases.
4. Trashigang Airport (TSJ)
Airport Code
TSJ
Time Zone
UTC +6 (Bhutan Time)
Address
Trashigang Airport, Trashigang, Bhutan
Nearby Cities
- Trashigang (5 miles)
- Samdrup Jongkhar (80 miles)
- Phuentsholing (95 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Druk Air
Annual Passenger Traffic
Approximately 5,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Trashigang Airport is a small domestic airport located in the eastern part of Bhutan, near the town of Trashigang. The airport began operations in the 1990s to improve connectivity to Bhutan’s eastern regions, which are often more remote and less accessible. Trashigang is an important town due to its proximity to Bhutan’s border with India and its significance in trade, culture, and agriculture. The airport is used primarily for domestic flights to and from Thimphu, with occasional flights to other regions in the country. It helps facilitate travel and transport for both locals and tourists visiting the eastern part of Bhutan.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Trashigang Airport has one terminal and one runway:
- Runway 13/31: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft, such as the ATR 42, but it is not capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft. The terminal offers basic facilities, including ticketing, baggage handling, and a waiting area. While the airport is small, it plays an essential role in connecting the eastern part of Bhutan with the rest of the country. With ongoing improvements planned for the airport, it is expected to provide better services and support growing demand for domestic flights as Bhutan continues to develop its tourism and transportation infrastructure.
5. Paro International Airport (PBH) – Future Expansions
Airport Code
PBH
Time Zone
UTC +6 (Bhutan Time)
Address
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Nearby Cities
- Paro (3.5 miles)
- Thimphu (38 miles)
- Phuentsholing (97 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Druk Air
- Bhutan Airlines
- Air India
- Thai Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic
Approximately 100,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan and serves as the gateway to this beautiful and culturally rich Himalayan kingdom. Located in the Paro Valley, surrounded by mountains, the airport sits at an elevation of over 7,300 feet, making it one of the most challenging airports in the world to operate. The airport was opened in 1968 and has since undergone several expansions to accommodate both domestic and international flights. Paro is primarily known for being the landing point for travelers to Bhutan, connecting the country to major international hubs, particularly in India, Thailand, and Nepal. Due to the mountainous terrain and limited visibility, only a few pilots are trained to land at Paro Airport, making it an exceptional feat of aviation engineering.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Paro International Airport has one terminal and one runway:
- Runway 15/33: 1,980 meters (6,496 feet)
Due to its location in a narrow valley, Paro International Airport cannot accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. It mainly handles smaller aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and ATR 42. The terminal offers basic amenities such as check-in counters, duty-free shopping, baggage handling, and restaurants. The airport’s infrastructure is built to support both domestic and international flights, but its limited size and location make it one of the most unique airports in the world, attracting aviation enthusiasts and travelers from around the globe. Despite the challenges, the airport plays a vital role in connecting Bhutan to the outside world.
