About Druk Air
Druk Air, officially known as Drukair Corporation Limited and also styled as the Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The airline operates under IATA code KB and ICAO code DRK. Headquartered in Paro, Bhutan, and based at Paro International Airport (PBH) — one of the world's most challenging airports, surrounded by the high peaks of the Eastern Himalayas — Druk Air holds the distinction of being Bhutan's only commercial airline. The airline was established by a Royal Proclamation of His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 5 April 1981, and commenced its first scheduled commercial flight on 11 February 1983, operating between Paro and Kolkata using Dornier 228 aircraft. Today, Druk Air is the gateway to one of the world's most unique and protected travel destinations, operating scheduled services to 10 international destinations across six countries in South and Southeast Asia.
Airline Overview and History
Druk Air's history mirrors Bhutan's careful and deliberate opening to the outside world:
- 5 April 1981 – Drukair Corporation Limited incorporated by Royal Proclamation of His Majesty the Fourth King.
- 11 February 1983 – First commercial flight inaugurated by HRH Ashi Sonam Chhoden Wangchuck, operating Paro–Kolkata with Dornier 228 aircraft.
- 1988 – First jet service introduced with the acquisition of a BAe 146-100, expanding Druk Air's range significantly.
- 1994 – Routes expanded to include Bangkok and Singapore, connecting Bhutan to Southeast Asia.
- 2004 – ATR 42 turboprop aircraft introduced for regional connectivity.
- 2012 – Airbus A319 jet aircraft introduced, modernising the long-haul fleet and enabling direct connections to Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangkok.
- 2025 – Druk Air operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations across 6 countries, with seasonal frequency adjustments to Gaya and Bangkok.
Paro International Airport, the airline's sole hub, is renowned as one of the most technically demanding airports in the world. Due to the surrounding terrain, only specially trained pilots are certified to land and take off from Paro, contributing to Druk Air's strong safety culture.
Fleet and Aircraft
Druk Air operates a small but carefully maintained fleet suited to the challenging Himalayan operating environment:
- Airbus A319-100 – The primary jet aircraft used on international routes to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, and Singapore. The A319 is well-suited for Paro's high-altitude operations and short runway.
- ATR 42-300 – Turboprop used on shorter regional routes and domestic sectors where jet operations are not feasible due to runway length or altitude.
All Druk Air aircraft are maintained to strict international airworthiness standards. Pilots operating into Paro undergo rigorous terrain-specific training, and the airport has special visual approach procedures approved by ICAO. The airline has an excellent safety record throughout its operational history.
Top Flight Routes
Druk Air connects Paro International Airport to key regional hubs across South Asia and Southeast Asia. For Malaysian travellers, the most relevant routing is via Singapore:
- Singapore to Paro (Bhutan) – The most convenient connection point for Malaysian travellers flying to Bhutan. Book SIN–PBH flights
Beyond Singapore, Druk Air serves the following destinations from Paro:
- Paro – New Delhi (DEL) – Daily flights to India's capital, the primary gateway for most international visitors to Bhutan.
- Paro – Kolkata (CCU) – The original Druk Air route, operated since 1983, connecting Bhutan to eastern India.
- Paro – Kathmandu (KTM) – Daily service to Nepal's capital, popular with trekkers combining Bhutan and Himalayan Nepal.
- Paro – Bangkok (BKK) – Seasonal and regular service to Thailand's capital, catering to Southeast Asian visitors.
- Paro – Singapore (SIN) – Direct flights to Changi Airport, a key hub for connecting travellers from Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
- Paro – Dhaka (DAC) – Regular service to Bangladesh's capital.
- Paro – Bagdogra (IXB), Guwahati (GAU), Gaya (GAY) – Connections to northeastern and central India.
Paro is Druk Air's sole hub; all flights originate and terminate here. Transit via Singapore or Bangkok is the most practical routing for Malaysian travellers.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Druk Air's baggage allowances are generous relative to many regional carriers:
- Carry-on baggage – Economy Class: 1 cabin bag up to 5 kg, maximum dimensions 45 x 35 x 20 cm.
- Carry-on baggage – Business Class: 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg, same maximum dimensions.
- Checked baggage – Economy Class: 30 kg free allowance.
- Checked baggage – Business Class: 40 kg free allowance.
- Maximum weight per checked piece: 32 kg; bags exceeding 32 kg per piece are not accepted.
Excess baggage fees apply for weight beyond the included allowance. Sporting equipment and trekking gear should be pre-arranged with Druk Air given the airline's limited aircraft capacity. Standard IATA prohibited items apply.
Check-in Guide
Druk Air's check-in procedures reflect the unique airport environment at Paro:
- Airport counter check-in: Counters open approximately 3 hours before scheduled departure and close 60 minutes before take-off.
- Online check-in: Available 24 hours before departure for Druk Air flights via the airline's official website.
- Paro Airport: Due to its remote location and small terminal size, passengers are advised to arrive well ahead of the counter opening time. Bhutan entry permit formalities must be completed before check-in.
Paro Airport operates under strict visual flight rules; flights may be delayed or cancelled in poor visibility conditions. Passengers should build flexibility into their itineraries when flying to and from Paro.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Druk Air operates two cabin classes on its Airbus A319 aircraft:
- Economy Class: Comfortable standard seating in a 3-3 configuration. Complimentary meals are served on all Druk Air flights regardless of duration, featuring Bhutanese-inspired cuisine including local rice varieties, curries, and complementary dishes. Beverages including tea and juice are provided.
- Business Class: Available on the A319 with enhanced seating, additional legroom, and premium meal service. Business Class passengers enjoy priority check-in and boarding, as well as the higher 40 kg checked baggage allowance.
Druk Air flights are known for their warm, personalised service, reflecting Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Cabin crew are trained to provide attentive and culturally grounded service. In-flight entertainment is limited on shorter regional routes; passengers are advised to bring reading material or personal devices for entertainment.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
- Infants (under 2 years): Travel on an adult's lap at a reduced infant fare. One infant per adult passenger.
- Children (2–11 years): Require their own seat at child fares. Unaccompanied minor arrangements should be discussed directly with Druk Air for eligible routes.
- Pregnant passengers: Single pregnancies without complications are permitted up to the end of the 36th week of pregnancy. Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets) are restricted beyond the end of the 32nd week. Passengers beyond 28 weeks pregnant must present a completed fit-to-fly letter from their midwife or doctor at check-in. Druk Air reserves the right to refuse travel without valid medical documentation.
- Special assistance: Wheelchair assistance and priority boarding are available. Given Paro Airport's limited infrastructure, passengers requiring substantial mobility assistance should notify Druk Air well in advance. Contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure to arrange support.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
For Druk Air bookings made via Traveloka:
- Log in to Traveloka and navigate to My Bookings.
- Select your Druk Air booking and choose Reschedule or Cancel.
- Reschedule fees and refund eligibility depend on the fare type and the timing of the request relative to departure.
- Given the limited frequency of Druk Air services (some routes operate only a few times weekly), rebooking may be subject to availability.
- Refunds for eligible bookings are processed within 7–14 business days.
- In cases of weather-related or operational cancellations at Paro, Druk Air will endeavour to rebook passengers on the next available flight.
Why Book Druk Air Flights on Traveloka
- Gateway to Bhutan: Traveloka is an easy way to search and book Druk Air flights as part of your Bhutan travel itinerary from Malaysia.
- Malaysian payment methods: Pay with Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, credit/debit cards, or FPX online banking.
- RM pricing: All fares displayed in Malaysian Ringgit for clear and transparent budgeting.
- Instant e-ticket: Receive your Druk Air booking confirmation immediately via email and in the Traveloka app.
- Travel add-ons: Bundle Druk Air flights with travel insurance — especially important given Paro's weather-dependent operations.
- Traveloka Points: Earn loyalty points on your Bhutan-bound Druk Air booking.
Tips for Finding Cheap Druk Air Flights on Traveloka
- Book well in advance: Druk Air's small fleet and limited seat inventory mean that fares often increase as the travel date approaches. Book as early as possible for peak periods like spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
- Travel shoulder season: June–August (monsoon season) generally sees lower fares and fewer tourists in Bhutan, though weather at Paro can be challenging.
- Use Price Alert: Set a Traveloka Price Alert for Druk Air routes to be notified when fares drop.
- Route via Singapore: For Malaysian travellers, connecting via Singapore (SIN) on a partner airline before boarding Druk Air to Paro is the most common and often cost-effective routing.
- Factor in the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee: Bhutan charges a per-night Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for foreign tourists (currently USD 100 per night for most visitors) — this is separate from your airfare and should be budgeted for when planning your trip.
- Add travel insurance: Given Paro's weather-sensitive operations, travel insurance with trip disruption cover is strongly recommended.
How to Book Druk Air Flight Tickets on Traveloka
- Open traveloka.com or the Traveloka app and select Flights.
- Enter your origin (e.g., Kuala Lumpur or Singapore), destination (Paro, Bhutan), travel dates, and number of passengers.
- Filter results by Druk Air (KB) or look for connecting itineraries via Singapore or Bangkok to Paro.
- Select your preferred flight and fare class, review baggage allowance and total fare, then click Book.
- Enter all passenger details accurately as per your passport — Bhutan requires your passport number for entry permit processing.
- Add travel insurance to your booking — highly recommended given Paro's operationally sensitive environment.
- Choose your preferred payment method — Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay, Boost, ShopeePay, card, or FPX — and complete payment.
- Your Druk Air e-ticket will be delivered instantly to your email and saved under My Bookings in the Traveloka app.