
Bhutan Airlines is a private Bhutanese carrier operating under IATA code B3 and ICAO code BTN, headquartered at Paro International Airport (PBH) in Paro, Bhutan. Founded on 4 December 2011 as Tashi Air, the airline is a subsidiary of the Tashi Group, one of Bhutan's largest and most diversified conglomerates. Bhutan Airlines holds the distinction of being Bhutan's first private airline, breaking the monopoly previously held by the national carrier Drukair. The airline operates scheduled international passenger services connecting Bhutan to key cities across South and Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Kolkata.
As Bhutan's gateway to the world, Bhutan Airlines plays a vital role in supporting the country's tourism industry — Bhutan's primary source of foreign exchange — by providing reliable air connectivity to the landlocked Himalayan kingdom. The airline is committed to delivering a comfortable and safe travel experience while showcasing Bhutanese hospitality from the moment passengers step on board.
Bhutan Airlines has grown from a fledgling domestic carrier into an established international airline serving multiple countries. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
The airline's primary hub is Paro International Airport (PBH), Bhutan's sole international airport, nestled in a deep valley of the Himalayas at an elevation of approximately 2,235 metres. Paro Airport is renowned as one of the most challenging airports in the world, with only a handful of pilots certified to land there due to the surrounding mountain terrain and narrow approach corridor. Bhutan Airlines' experienced flight crew are specially trained and certified for the demanding Paro approach, ensuring passenger safety on every flight.
As a subsidiary of the Tashi Group — which has interests spanning hospitality, beverages, automobiles, and real estate — Bhutan Airlines benefits from strong corporate backing and a commitment to long-term growth. The airline's vision is to connect Bhutan with the world while preserving the country's unique cultural identity and promoting sustainable tourism.
Bhutan Airlines operates a compact fleet of Airbus narrow-body aircraft suited to the airline's regional route network and the operational requirements of Paro International Airport. The fleet includes:
The Airbus A319 is well suited to operations at Paro Airport, offering the right balance of range, payload, and manoeuvrability for the challenging high-altitude approach. The airline maintains its fleet to the highest international safety and maintenance standards, with regular inspections carried out in compliance with Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority regulations and international aviation safety protocols.
Bhutan Airlines has historically supplemented its fleet through wet-lease arrangements with international operators, providing additional capacity during peak tourism seasons when demand for flights into Bhutan surges — particularly during the popular spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) travel seasons.
Bhutan Airlines operates scheduled international services from its hub at Paro International Airport to key cities across Asia. The airline's route network is designed to connect travellers with Bhutan's world-famous cultural heritage, pristine landscapes, and unique way of life. Current destinations include:
For Malaysian travellers planning a trip to Bhutan, convenient connections are available through Bangkok or New Delhi. You can fly from Kuala Lumpur to these connecting cities on Traveloka and then board a Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro. Explore these connecting routes:
Bhutan Airlines has also announced plans to expand its network to additional destinations including Dhaka, Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong in the future. Travellers can check the latest available routes and schedules directly on Traveloka, where real-time flight availability and pricing are displayed.
Understanding Bhutan Airlines' baggage rules before you fly helps you pack smart and avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
Items exceeding the permitted cabin baggage weight or dimensions must be checked in at the counter.
Excess baggage is charged per kilogram and varies by route. Sample rates include:
Rates are subject to change. Passengers are advised to check the latest excess baggage fees on the Bhutan Airlines website or contact the airline before travelling.
Bhutan Airlines follows international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
Airport counter check-in is the primary check-in method for Bhutan Airlines flights. Important timings to note:
Airport counter agents will verify your travel documents, issue your boarding pass, tag and accept your checked baggage, and direct you to the departure gate. Arriving early is especially important at Paro Airport, where limited terminal capacity can result in longer processing times during peak travel periods.
Bhutan Airlines offers web check-in through its official website. Online check-in typically opens 24 to 48 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before the scheduled departure time. After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage should proceed to the baggage drop counter at the airport, while those with cabin baggage only can head directly to security screening and the departure gate.
Bhutan Airlines offers a Business Class cabin on its Airbus A319 fleet, featuring 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration. Business Class passengers enjoy the following benefits:
Economy Class forms the main cabin on Bhutan Airlines flights, seating 114 passengers. Economy Class features include:
All Bhutan Airlines passengers receive complimentary meal and beverage service. Business Class passengers are served a hot meal with a main course, salad, and dessert, while Economy Class passengers receive light refreshments such as sandwiches, cake, peanuts, and water. The airline caters to various dietary preferences, and passengers with specific dietary requirements — including vegetarian or allergy-related needs — are encouraged to inform the airline at the time of booking.
Bhutan Airlines does not currently offer a built-in in-flight entertainment system. Passengers are encouraged to download movies, music, podcasts, or reading material to their personal devices before departure. The flight crew provides attentive and warm Bhutanese hospitality throughout the journey, and the stunning aerial views of the Himalayas on approach to Paro are often described as one of the most memorable in-flight experiences in aviation.
Bhutan Airlines recommends all expectant mothers consult a doctor before reserving tickets to avoid unnecessary risk to both mother and child.
Bhutan Airlines provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs. Available services include:
Passengers who require special medical assistance or need to carry medical equipment on board should contact the airline's customer service at least 48 hours before departure to arrange the necessary support.
Parents or guardians must present the child for check-in at least 2 hours before departure. Bhutan Airlines staff will accompany the child through all airport formalities and ensure they are safely handed over to the designated guardian at the arrival airport. Bookings for unaccompanied minors must be made by contacting Bhutan Airlines directly.
To reschedule a Bhutan Airlines flight booked through Traveloka:
Rescheduling availability and fees depend on your fare type. Flexible fares typically allow changes with lower or waived fees, while promotional fares may have stricter conditions or higher change fees.
Refund eligibility depends on your ticket type:
To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on Traveloka and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
If your flight is cancelled by Bhutan Airlines due to weather conditions, operational reasons, or force majeure, you are generally entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost. Given Paro Airport's location in a narrow Himalayan valley, weather-related delays and cancellations can occur, particularly during the monsoon season (June–August). Passengers are advised to build flexibility into their travel plans when flying to or from Bhutan.
Booking Bhutan Airlines flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
Use these strategies to secure the best fares when booking flights to Bhutan:
Follow these steps to book your Bhutan Airlines flight on Traveloka:
With Traveloka, booking Bhutan Airlines flights is fast, secure, and convenient, giving you more time to plan your adventure in the Land of Happiness.
Here are the steps to book Bhutan Airlines tickets online:
Payments for Bhutan Airlines tickets can be made via bank transfer, and credit card.
For more information regarding available payment methods, please visit the Payment Methods page.
The Bhutan Airlines e-ticket serves as proof of your booking for Bhutan Airlines flights. Show your e-ticket at the Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in (either at the airport or online) to get your boarding pass. If you do not receive your e-ticket within 60 minutes after making payment, please contact Traveloka Customer Service immediately.
Flight duration varies by route. Paro to Kathmandu takes approximately 1 hour, Paro to Kolkata about 1.5 hours, Paro to New Delhi around 2.5 hours, and Paro to Bangkok approximately 4 hours. Check real-time flight status and estimated times via Flight Status on Traveloka.
You can check your Bhutan Airlines flight status on the Flight Status page on Traveloka for real-time updates on departure times, delays, and gate information.