Aviation History
Bhutan's civil aviation history centers on Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the state flag carrier founded in 1981 and flying since 1983, alongside the private carrier Bhutan Airlines launched in 2011. Paro International Airport, the kingdom's only international gateway, is renowned as one of the world's most technically demanding airports because of its high-altitude Himalayan valley setting, and only a small, specially certified group of pilots is qualified to fly the approach. Bhutan's late entry into commercial aviation reflects its historic policy of gradual, controlled opening to the outside world.
Jamair began flights from Calcutta to a Paro airstrip, opening Bhutan's first scheduled air connection to the outside world.
Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) was established by royal charter on 5 April 1981 as Bhutan's flag carrier.
Drukair's first scheduled flight, Kolkata–Paro on a Dornier 228, launched commercial aviation in Bhutan on 11 February 1983.
Bhutan created a Department of Civil Aviation, which took over airport operation and maintenance responsibilities from Drukair.
The runway at Paro was lengthened to 2,000 meters, though the approach through surrounding Himalayan peaks remained extremely demanding.
Drukair replaced its BAe 146 regional jets with five Airbus A319s, modernizing its fleet.
Tashi Air, branded Bhutan Airlines, began operations as the country's first privately owned carrier, ending Drukair's monopoly.
Drukair added an ATR 42-600 turboprop in 2019 and an Airbus A320neo in 2020, broadening service to smaller domestic airports.
Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) · Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air)
Wikipedia, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines corporate histories, Bhutan Department of Air Transport
Aviation Firsts
Paro International Airport — Paro (1968): 1968'de Hindistan'ın Sınır Yolları Örgütü (Border Roads Organisation) tarafından başlangıçta helikopter kullanımı için Paro vadisinde inşa edildi; tarifeli ticari servis 11 Şubat 1983'te Drukair ile başladı. Wikipedia, Paro'nun '2011'e kadar Bhutan'daki tek havalimanı' olduğunu belirtiyor — bu da onu ülkenin en eskisi olarak doğruluyor. · Wikipedia ↗
Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) (1981): 5 Nisan 1981'de kraliyet fermanıyla kuruldu; tarifeli uçuşlara 11 Şubat 1983'te başladı. Wikipedia'nın Paro Havalimanı makalesi Drukair'i açıkça 'Bhutan'ın ilk havayolu' olarak tanımlıyor ve 23 Ağustos 2010'a kadar Bhutan'a uçan tek havayolu oldu. Daha eski bir Bhutan havayolu hiçbir kaynakta bulunamadı. · KB ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
No documented foreign entrant found. Checked against Paro International Airport. The only ground-handling-related entity named is "Bhutan Air Services," described as a private organization arranging ground handling for private aircraft/helicopters — no indication of foreign ownership, and it appears domestic. No Swissport/dnata/Menzies/NAS presence was found.