PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Paro Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan, nestled within a deep Himalayan valley and surrounded by towering peaks. The airport's extreme terrain makes PBH one of the most challenging airports in the world. As a result, specific training is required for pilots to gain certification for landing there. Paro Airport is primarily served by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, offering flights to various destinations across Asia.
CHECK-IN
I traveled on Bhutan Airlines from Paro to Hong Kong during the Easter holiday. Bhutan Airlines offers flights to Hong Kong based on a fixed departure schedule that aligns with the city’s public holidays.
The airline launched the service in early 2025, significantly reducing the travel time between the cities. Before the service was introduced, travelers wishing to visit Bhutan from Hong Kong typically had to make a stopover in Southeast Asia (e.g., Bangkok), with a total travel time of around 8 to 9 hours. With the new service, this travel time has been significantly reduced to just 3 to 4 hours, making Bhutan more accessible to travelers from the region.
Although the flight from Hong Kong to Paro is a direct service, the flight from Paro to Hong Kong involves a brief refueling stop in Kolkata, with passengers and crew remaining onboard.
I arrived at the airport well ahead of the scheduled departure time, so the terminal was quite empty upon my arrival. Before entering the terminal building, security personnel verified flight tickets for entry.
Inside, the terminal is beautifully adorned with traditional Bhutanese wall art.
Bhutanese art is characterized by vibrant colors derived from natural pigments sourced from soils and minerals. Key colors include red, blue, golden yellow, green, and white, each with its own symbolic meaning. Images of dragons are featured on the columns of the check-in hall, reflecting the country’s nickname as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.”
As soon as I approached the check-in area of Bhutan Airlines, I was warmly welcomed by an attendant in traditional dress, who personally escorted us to the next available agent. The check-in process was efficient; I dropped off my bags and received my boarding pass within just a few minutes.
After passing through passport control, passengers can find several duty-free shops for last-minute shopping, as well as ample seating to comfortably wait for their flights.
LOUNGE
The Business Lounge of Bhutan Airlines is located at the upper level of the terminal building.
The lounge boasts a simple design, featuring yellow walls and a brownish carpet adorned with cultural patterns. Natural light streams in from the windows on the side, creating a bright and inviting ambiance during the day.
In the center, there is an L-shaped bar table topped with a selection of refreshments and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks is placed in the corner.
Seating with well-padded cushions is arranged throughout the lounge, ensuring passengers have ample space to relax before boarding their flights. Power sockets are conveniently located nearby, allowing passengers to charge their electronic devices during their time in the lounge.
There is a literature corner featuring various editions of their in-flight magazine.
There is a monitor displaying the departure and arrival information for the airport.
The refreshments provided were rather basic, consisting of crisps and instant noodles. Additionally, there was a modest selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
BOARDING
There are no jet bridges at the terminal building. When it is time to board, passengers will be directed to use the stairs after a brief walk on the tarmac.
This was the aircraft that took me to Hong Kong: a 15-year-old Airbus A319 (A5-DOR) named Dorji.
The aircraft was previously operated by Mexicana and Frontier Airlines before being delivered to Bhutan Airlines in 2018.
View of the CFM56 engine manufactured by CFM International.
SEAT AND AMENITIES
Welcome aboard this Bhutan Airlines Airbus A319 aircraft.
This is Seat 1F, my assigned seat for the flight. The aircraft boasts 12 business class seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration. These spacious, luxurious leather seats are fully reclinable and offer generous legroom, leg rests, and cocktail tables between each pair of seats.
A comfortable pillow had already been placed on the seat before boarding. The yellow color of the pillow cover complements the rich brown of the leather seat.
The logo of Bhutan Airlines was prominently displayed on the pillow cover. It features a golden fish, which is one of the Eight Auspicious Signs in Buddhism, symbolizing abundance and happiness.
The front of the cabin features an artwork depicting the Paro Taktsang Monastery, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. On the opposite side of this artwork, there is a shelf displaying newspapers from Bhutan.
A view from the rear of the cabin.
PRE-TAKEOFF SERVICE
Menu cards displaying a small selection of welcome drinks were distributed to passengers once the majority had settled into their seats.
Mango juice in a Bhutan Airlines glass.
DEPARTURE
Here we are at the end of the iconic runway 15/33 at Paro International Airport (PBH). The runway has a length of 2,265 meters.
Enjoying the view through the two windows as the plane soared above the clouds.
REFRESHMENTS
Refreshments were provided during the one-hour flight from Paro to Kolkata, and the portions were quite generous given the short duration.
REFUELING STOP
The flight attendants prepared the cabin for landing shortly after collecting the meal trays.
Welcome to Kolkata, ladies and gentlemen.
Service vehicles, including a truck from TajSATS Air Catering and a fuel tanker from IndianOil Aviation, were already waiting for us when we arrived at the designated parking bay.
To minimize the time on the ground, the ground staff efficiently replaced the meal carts and refueled the aircraft. Passengers and crew remained on board throughout the process.
After approximately one hour in Kolkata, the aircraft became airborne again.
DINNER
Dinner service began shortly after takeoff, with the appetizer, main course, and dessert all beautifully presented on a single tray. The meal was artfully plated, and I appreciated the vibrant colors of the ingredients. However, the flavors were a bit too spicy for my taste.
The exquisite tableware of Bhutan Airlines adds a special touch to the dining experience.
It was sunset when the second meal service began, allowing passengers to enjoy the breathtaking view while enjoying their meals.
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Inflight magazines and duty-free shopping guides were available in the seat pockets.
A route map showcasing the destinations served by Bhutan Airlines can be found in the inflight magazine.
On a clear day, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Unfortunately, I wasn't fortunate enough to see them during this flight.
TOILETS
The restroom was located at the front of the aircraft. It was clean and elegantly decorated with plants.
ARRIVAL
After approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of flying, the aircraft safely arrived in Hong Kong from Kolkata.
Paro Airport looks very unique, moreso because it's a regular building instead of a glass-and-steel pavilion than the traditional Bhutanese art. The lounge especially looks like someone's kitchen!