note

National and only airline registered in Kingdom of Bhutan was founded in 1981. Operations commenced in February 1983 using Dornier 282 turboprop airliner suitable for difficult airport at Paro. Only a month earlier, in January 1983, the Dornier became first fixed wing aircraft to land at Paro's airstrip. First destinations was Kolkata in India as there is no other airport in Bhutan. In November 1988, Druk Air received its first pure jet, a BAe 146. This aircraft enabled expansion. Kathmandu, Yangoon, Bangkok and New Delhi were added to its schedule. After extending of the runway at airline's home base of Paro to 6,000', Druk Air was able to increase capacity by replacing Bae 146s with a pair of Airbus A319s in October and November of 2004. In July 2011 second airport in Bhutan was opened at Yangphula. However, because of its altitude 8,400' and excessive slope of its runway beyond certification of an ATR, Druk Air and ATR are working on exception. Druk Air is owned by an Investment company owned by the government.

founded - demised (age)

April 5 1983 - present  (42years)

headquarters

Nymezampa, Paro

web

www.drukair.com.bt

base airports

VQPR International Paro

home base

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