The idea of starting the country’s own air services was mooted by the Late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. His great contributions to the building of modern Bhutan will be remembered with gratitude by the succeeding generations of our countrymen.
An important milestone in the Aviation history of Bhutan and remembered as the day we brought Bhutan on the world’s air map. The airfield was capable of landing a Dakota airplane making it the first step in its history for which the credit is entirely given to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Necessary help was provided by the government of India for the construction of airfield whose foundation was laid down by the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshall Arjan Singh on 24th October 1966. The Border Road Forces was entrusted with the important task and it was completed in March 1968.
On 23 March 1968, the Deputy Prime Minister of India, Shri Morarji Desai was invited to inaugurate the Paro airfield. The guest of honour flew in a special Indian Air Force aircraft.
4th November, 1968 First Jamair Dakota flight was carried out successfully.
The modern Druk Air Corporation was founded in 1981 and started it commercial operation in 1983.
Their Slogan is “On the wings of the dragon”
Their Vision is “To be the leading airline connecting Bhutan and the world.”
Their Mission is “To provide safe, reliable and excellent services on ground and in the sky.”
And their core values are “Safety, Standard, Service Excellence, Integrity, Team Work and Open Door Culture.”
Its operational base is in Paro, Bhutan and their IATA Code is KB.
Drukair now operates with ATR 42-600, A319 and A320Neo aircrafts
Today Drukair operates flights on following routes.
International Route
Paro – Bagdogra, India
Paro – Kolkata, India
Paro – Bodh Gaya, India
Paro – Delhi, India
Paro – Guwahati, India
Paro – Bangkok, Thailand
Paro – Dhaka, Bangladesh
Paro – Kathmandu, Nepal
Paro – Singapore
Domestic Route
Paro – Bumthang
Paro – Yonphula
Paro – Gelephu