Introduction to the New Direct Flight
Bhutan Airlines has announced that it will launch the first direct flight between Bhutan and Vietnam in 2025. This new service will connect Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) with Paro, one of the world’s most geographically challenging airports. At a recent event held in HCMC, the carrier revealed that it plans to operate 10 round-trip flights annually using Airbus A319 aircraft.
Flight Schedule and Costs
The introduction of this direct flight is set to transform travel between Bhutan and Vietnam. Currently, travelers have to transit through Thailand or India to make the journey. With the new service, a round trip is expected to cost around VND 26 million (approximately US$1,045) for business class and VND 22 million (approximately $885) for economy class.
Challenges of Paro Airport
Paro Airport is renowned for its challenging landing and takeoff conditions. The airport is situated at an altitude of over 2,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains that reach heights of up to 5,500 meters. The short runway and strong winds add to the complexity of operating flights in and out of Paro.
Tourism in Bhutan
In 2019, Bhutan welcomed 315,599 international visitors, with 73% of them coming from India. However, the number of tourists decreased to around 130,000 last year. Interestingly, Bhutan maintains a strategy to manage tourism by charging a daily fee of $100 per visitor, aiming to attract upmarket tourists rather than backpackers.
About Bhutan Airlines
Founded in 2011, Bhutan Airlines is the only private carrier in Bhutan. It operates a fleet of Airbus A319 aircraft and offers both scheduled and charter flights. The addition of this new direct flight route marks a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion and enhances connectivity between Bhutan and Vietnam.
