List of 4 Domestic & International Airports in Bhutan

Officially called the Kingdom of Bhutan, it is a landlocked country that is surrounded by steep Himalayan mountains and beautiful deep valleys. Because of its geographical location, the country is sparsely populated as it rests in the deep laps of the mighty Himalayas. The serenity of this place attracts many tourists from different parts of the world.

Thus there are several airports in Bhutan to cater to the need of people traversing from Bhutan to other places and vice-versa. 

 

Note: The services and other factors keep changing frequently. So, please verify all information before planning your trip.

The airports in Bhutan help in crossing lofty mountain peaks and makes it easier for people to travel. There are 3 domestic airports and 1 international airport in Bhutan. This list of airports in Bhutan will help you to get all the needed information regarding their services and guidelines making travelling easier for you. 

 

1. Paro International Airport (PBH), Airport Road Paro

The Paro International Airport inaugurated in 1968 is the first and the only international airport in Bhutan. Located 6 km away from Paro town and 55 km away from Thimpu, the capital city, at an elevation of 18000 ft, it is one of the world’s most dangerous airports. 

Interestingly, a few years back the King of Bhutan redesigned the airport into Bhutan’s largest art and exhibition gallery. 

Address: Airport Road Paro, 12001, Bhutan

ICAO Code: VQPR

IATA Code: PBH

Category: International

Terminals: At present, the airport has only 1 terminal. 

Services & Amenities Available:

The list of services that the airport offers to its visitors are:

• Money changers
  
• Parking
  
• Medical services
  
• Lost and found
  
• Tourist SIM packages at Bhutan Telecom for Bmobile and Tashi Cell for T Cell, renting a pocket Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi net, charging station, and mailbox facilities 
  
• Shopping and dining
  
• Wheelchair for disabled
  

2. Yongphula Domestic Airport (YON), Trashigang

The Yongphula Domestic Airport in Bhutan was constructed in the 1960s by the Indian Army.  The location of the airport is at a height of 8442 feet above sea level. It has only one runway for landing and take-off. 

Address: Trashigang, Trashigang Dzongkhag (District), Eastern Bhutan

ICAO Code: VQTY

IATA Code: YON

Category: Domestic

Terminals: The airport has only one terminal at present and is in use for departure as well as arrival. 

Services & Amenities Available: 

The airport offers facilities such as:

• Rental car services
  
• Restaurant and cafe
  
• Medical facilities
  
• Tourist offices
  

3. Bumthang Domestic Airport (BUT), Jakar

Bumthang Domestic Airport in Bhutan is also commonly known as the Bathpalathang Airport. It is the newest airport in Bhutan, which was constructed in 2011. It is located 5 to 6 km away from the city of Jakar. 

Situated at a height of 8466 feet above the mean sea level, this airport is close to tourist spots like the picturesque Chamkhar Valley along the Chamkhar River. The airport operates with one runway named 14/32, an asphalt parking lot for ATR, and a helicopter off the main runway. 

Address: Jakar, Bumthang District, North of Bhutan

ICAO Code: VQBT

IATA Code: BUT

Category: Domestic

Terminals: There is only one double-storey terminal in this airport. Moreover, in addition to that, there is an ongoing construction of an international air terminal in this airport. 

Services & Amenities Available: 

There are a few service facilities that are still in the process of being available inside and on the premises of this airport. 

 

4. Gelephu Domestic Airport (GLU), Sarpang District

Gelephu Domestic Airport is one of the limited airports in Bhutan that was constructed to be an international airport. It is located 3 – 4 km away from the town of Gelephu and was inaugurated in October 2012. 

With an expansive span area of 542.9 acres, the Gelephu Domestic Airport is situated at an elevation of 987.204 feet. This airport functions as a nodal connectivity point to Jakar, Paro, and tourist spots, such as Gyenyan Lhakhang, Tali Dratshang, etc. 

Address: Gelephu Town, Sarpang District, Bhutan

ICAO Code: VQGP

IATA Code: GLU

Category: Domestic

Terminals: There is only 1 terminal at Gelephu Domestic Airport. This terminal is in use for both purposes of arrivals and departures. 

Services & Amenities Available: 

The Gelephu Domestic Airport extends services such as:

• Rental cab bookings
  
• Lost and Found
  
• Restaurant and cafe
  
• Gift shop
  

After reading about how many airports are there in Bhutan and acquiring all the necessary information about airports in Bhutan, you are aware of essential travel details. This will help you to have a hassle-free journey if you are planning to visit Bhutan through any of these above-listed airports. 

These airports in Bhutan currently provide fewer amenities but multiple facilities are in their developing phase.