Paro International Airport is the only international airport among the four airports in Bhutan. Since the airport is the only international port of the country, it is a port that has no alternative for private jet flights. Paro is 6 km from Paro in a deep valley on the banks of the Chhu river. It is considered one of the most challenging airports in the world with 5,500 m high peaks surrounding it, and less than two dozen pilots are certified to land at the airport.
Flights to and from Paro are only permitted under visual meteorological conditions and are limited to daylight hours from sunrise to sunset. Paro airport was the only airport in Bhutan until 2011.
Bhutan private jet charter prices
Although Bhutan Paro Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Paro are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 79.700 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 110.600 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 181.250 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
Paro Airport history
In 1968, the Indian Border Roads Organisation constructed an airstrip in the Paro valley, which was initially used for guard helicopter operations by the Indian Armed Forces on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
In mid 1981, the Indian government set up a committee to study its own requirements for light transport aircraft. Based on this study, the Bhutanese government ordered one Dornier 228-200 for delivery in January 1983, with an option for a second aircraft for delivery in late 1983. The first 18-seat Dornier 228-200 landed at Paro Airport on 14 January 1983. Drukair started scheduled revenue flights from Paro on 11 February 1983. Flight 101 departed from Paro for Kolkata and returned the next day on flight 102. At the time of commencement of service, Paro Airport consisted of a runway, a two-room air traffic control building and a departure lounge on the grass. Prior to the establishment of the Civil Aviation Department in January 1986, Drukair was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the airport’s infrastructure.
In 1990, the runway at Paro Airport was extended from 1,402 metres to 1,964 metres and strengthened for heavier aircraft. A hangar for aircraft was built under the Paro Airport Development Project, funded by the Indian government. On 21 November 1988, Drukair’s first jet, a BAe 146-100, was delivered to Paro Airport. In 2003, Drukair was in search of an aircraft to replace the BAe 146, and on 19 October 2004, the airline’s first Airbus A319-100 arrived in Paro.
Buddha Air became the first international airline to operate charter flights to Paro in August 2010. Tashi Air, Bhutan’s first private airline, began operations in December 2011. In 2012, 181,659 passengers were reported to have used the airport. By 2018, this number increased to 397,599 and 6,761 flights were operated by the airport. In the same year, the airport received 4 new structures: a modified departure terminal building, a cargo building, a relocated substation and a parallel taxiway.
Bhutan travel guide
Paro, the city of silence, serenity and inner peace, is a city that attracts attention with its untouched natural forests, hiking trails and camping areas.
Among the points that can be visited in the city; Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the iconic structures of the country, Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest Buddha statue in the world, Rinpung Dzong, the largest temple in the country, the National Museum, which best describes the country’s past, Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Monastery, one of the most spectacular examples of Far Asian architecture, and Punakha Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the country.
Transportation from Paro Airport to the city centre
There are no alternatives other than taxis and buses to get from the airport to the city centre. The buses of Bhutan Airport Shuttle Service departing from the front of the port arrival hall depart according to flight arrival times. Taxis waiting in front of the airport are available during the day, but problems may arise as the locals do not speak a language other than their own.
