Planning a trip to Bhutan in 2027? One of the first questions you will need to answer is how to get to Bhutan.

Bhutan is a unique destination because international flights are limited to a small number of airports in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Most international travelers therefore reach Bhutan through a connecting city such as Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka, Singapore, or Dubai before flying into Paro International Airport.

The good news is that getting to Bhutan is easier than many first-time visitors expect. In 2027, airlines are scheduled to connect Bhutan with several major regional hubs, giving travelers a range of options depending on where they are coming from.

In this guide, we explain the best ways to fly to Bhutan in 2027, including the most convenient routes via Kathmandu, Delhi and Bangkok, plus alternatives through Kolkata, Singapore, Dhaka, Dubai, Guwahati and Bagdogra.

Important: Bhutan flight schedules can change depending on airline operations and government or aviation authority approvals. Always check the latest schedule before booking your international flights.

Where Do You Fly Into Bhutan?

For most international travelers, the main gateway is Paro International Airport (PBH).

Paro is Bhutan’s principal international airport and is located about 80 minutes by road from Thimphu, the capital. Drukair currently lists 10 international destinations from Paro, while Bhutan Airlines also operates international services from Paro.

Because Paro is surrounded by mountains and has challenging operating conditions, only a limited number of airlines and pilots are authorized to operate there. This is one reason why travelers generally need to connect through a regional hub rather than finding a direct flight from Europe, North America or Australia.

The Best Flight Routes to Bhutan in 2027

The best route depends largely on your starting country.

For many international travelers, the most practical options are:

1. Kathmandu → Paro
2. Delhi → Paro
3. Bangkok → Paro
4. Kolkata → Paro
5. Singapore → Paro
6. Dhaka → Paro
7. Dubai → Paro
8. Guwahati → Paro
9. Bagdogra → Paro

Let’s look at each route in more detail.

1. Kathmandu to Bhutan: One of the Best Routes for International Travelers

For travelers coming from Europe, the United States, Canada and other international destinations, Kathmandu is often one of the most convenient gateways to Bhutan.

The route is:

Your home country → Kathmandu (KTM) → Paro (PBH)

Drukair currently lists daily flights between Kathmandu and Paro, and its published January and February 2027 schedules include Kathmandu–Paro services. 

Why choose Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is particularly useful if you want to combine Nepal and Bhutan in one trip.

You could, for example, spend:

• 3–4 nights in Kathmandu
• 5–7 nights in Bhutan
• Then return home through Kathmandu

Kathmandu can also be a convenient gateway for travelers who find better international airfare from their home country to Nepal than to India or Thailand.

Example route

New York → Doha/Dubai → Kathmandu → Paro

or

London → Kathmandu → Paro

or

Sydney → Bangkok/Kathmandu → Paro

Who should consider this route?

Kathmandu is an excellent option if you:

• Want to combine Nepal and Bhutan
• Are traveling from Europe or North America
• Prefer a relatively straightforward connection
• Want to visit the Himalayas in both countries

2. Delhi to Bhutan: A Convenient Option from Europe and North America

Delhi is another major gateway to Bhutan and is especially useful for travelers arriving from Europe, the United States, Canada and other parts of the world.

The route is:

International destination → Delhi (DEL) → Paro (PBH)

Drukair currently lists daily flights between Paro and Delhi, and its published 2027 schedules include Delhi–Paro services. 

Why fly via Delhi?

Delhi has a large international airport with connections to many cities around the world.

For example:

London → Delhi → Paro

New York → Delhi → Paro

Paris → Delhi → Paro

Frankfurt → Delhi → Paro

For many travelers, Delhi is one of the easiest places to find international flights before connecting to Bhutan.

A useful tip

If you are flying through Delhi, allow sufficient connection time between your international arrival and Bhutan flight. A same-day connection can work when schedules line up, but a longer buffer or overnight stay may be more comfortable if your international flight arrives late.

3. Bangkok to Bhutan: A Great Gateway from Southeast Asia

Bangkok is one of the most important gateways to Bhutan, particularly for travelers coming from Southeast Asia, Australia and parts of East Asia.

The route is:

International destination → Bangkok (BKK) → Paro (PBH)

Drukair currently lists daily Bangkok–Paro flights.

Bhutan Airlines also lists Bangkok among its destinations and currently operates flights connecting Bangkok and Paro, with its published information noting services between the two cities. (Bhutan Airlines)

Why choose Bangkok?

Bangkok is particularly attractive if you are traveling from:

• Australia
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Japan
• South Korea
• Other parts of Southeast Asia

Bangkok also has excellent international connectivity, making it a practical transit point.

Example route

Sydney → Bangkok → Paro

Singapore → Bangkok → Paro

Kuala Lumpur → Bangkok → Paro

Tokyo → Bangkok → Paro

For travelers who want to combine Thailand and Bhutan, this can be an especially convenient itinerary.

4. Kolkata to Bhutan: Convenient for Travelers from Eastern India

Kolkata is another important gateway to Bhutan.

The route is:

Kolkata (CCU) → Paro (PBH)

Drukair currently lists Kolkata among its international destinations and operates multiple weekly services. Its January 2027 published schedule includes Kolkata–Paro flights. (Drukair)

Bhutan Airlines also lists Kolkata as one of its destinations. (Bhutan Airlines)

Who should use Kolkata?

Kolkata can be particularly convenient for:

• Travelers already in eastern India
• Travelers from West Bengal
• Travelers from northeastern India
• Indian nationals combining India and Bhutan
• International travelers who find convenient flights to Kolkata

Kolkata can also be useful if you want to spend a few days in India before entering Bhutan.

5. Singapore to Bhutan

Singapore is an increasingly useful gateway for travelers from Southeast Asia and beyond.

Drukair currently lists Singapore–Paro services, with flights operating via Guwahati. (Drukair)

The route may therefore involve:

Singapore → Guwahati → Paro

Depending on the operating schedule.

Why consider Singapore?

Singapore has excellent international connections, making it a possible gateway for travelers from:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Southeast Asia
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Japan
• Other international destinations

If you are already planning a trip through Singapore, connecting onward to Bhutan can be a good option.

6. Dhaka to Bhutan

Dhaka provides another regional connection to Bhutan.

The route is:

Dhaka (DAC) → Paro (PBH)

Drukair currently lists twice-weekly flights between Paro and Dhaka, providing another option for travelers from Bangladesh and neighboring markets. 

This route can be particularly useful for travelers who live in or are traveling through:

• Bangladesh
• Eastern India
• South Asia

7. Dubai to Bhutan (Currently Suspended)

Dubai is one of the most useful gateways for travelers from the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Drukair currently lists twice-weekly flights between Dubai and Paro. 

The route is:

Dubai (DXB) → Paro (PBH)

This can eliminate the need to travel through Delhi, Kathmandu or Bangkok for some travelers.

Who should consider Dubai?

This route can be particularly convenient for travelers from:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Other Gulf countries
• Europe
• Africa

Travelers should check the exact operating days when planning their international flights because Dubai–Paro service is not daily.

8. Guwahati to Bhutan

Guwahati in northeastern India is another regional gateway.

Drukair currently lists twice-weekly Paro–Guwahati flights. 

The route is:

Guwahati (GAU) → Paro (PBH)

This can be especially useful if you are already traveling through northeastern India.

Guwahati also has onward connections to other Asian destinations, making it potentially useful as part of a larger itinerary.

9. Bagdogra to Bhutan

Bagdogra is another useful gateway for travelers visiting West Bengal, Sikkim and northeastern India.

Drukair currently lists twice-weekly flights to Bagdogra, with onward connectivity toward Bangkok.

For travelers who are already exploring northern West Bengal or Sikkim, Bagdogra can be an interesting option for entering or leaving Bhutan.

Another advantage is its proximity to the overland border areas connecting India and Bhutan.

What About Flying from the USA to Bhutan?

There are currently no direct flights from the United States to Bhutan.

For most American travelers, the practical strategy is to fly first to a major Asian hub and then connect to Paro.

The most useful options are generally:

Option 1: USA → Kathmandu → Paro

Good if you want to combine Nepal and Bhutan.

Option 2: USA → Delhi → Paro

Good if you find a competitive international fare to India.

Option 3: USA → Bangkok → Paro

Good for travelers who want to combine Thailand and Bhutan.

Option 4: USA → Dubai → Paro

Worth considering when your international itinerary naturally passes through Dubai.

When comparing routes, don’t look only at airfare. Consider connection time, baggage rules, overnight stays, airport changes and the frequency of the onward Bhutan flight.

What About Travelers from Europe?

For travelers from Europe, the best gateway will depend on the city you are departing from and the airfare available.

Popular combinations include:

London → Delhi → Paro

Paris → Delhi → Paro

Frankfurt → Delhi → Paro

Rome → Delhi → Paro

London → Kathmandu → Paro

Paris → Kathmandu → Paro

Frankfurt → Kathmandu → Paro

Dubai can also be a useful alternative when the international flight schedule works well.

Our recommendation

If you are traveling from Europe, compare Delhi and Kathmandu first, then check Bangkok and Dubai.

The cheapest route isn’t always the best route. A slightly more expensive itinerary with a convenient connection can save you an entire day of travel.

What About Travelers from Australia?

For Australian travelers, Bangkok and Singapore can be particularly useful gateways.

Possible routes include:

Sydney → Bangkok → Paro

Melbourne → Bangkok → Paro

Sydney → Singapore → Paro

Melbourne → Singapore → Paro

You can also compare Delhi or Kathmandu depending on the international airfare and schedule.

What About Indian Travelers?

Indian citizens have several options for reaching Bhutan.

Depending on where you live, you can travel to Bhutan by air or overland.

For air travel, common gateways include:

• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Guwahati
• Bagdogra

For travelers from northeastern India, overland entry can also be convenient.

If you are flying, always compare the total cost and travel time rather than choosing a route solely because it has the lowest airfare.

Is Kathmandu or Delhi Better for Bhutan?

This is one of the most common questions travelers ask.

There is no single answer because it depends on your international flight.

Choose Kathmandu if:

• You want to combine Nepal and Bhutan.
• You find a good international fare to Kathmandu.
• Your flight schedule connects well with Paro.
• You want to experience Kathmandu before Bhutan.

Choose Delhi if:

• You find a better international airfare to India.
• You are already traveling in India.
• Your home city has convenient flights to Delhi.
• You want to combine India and Bhutan.

For many travelers from Europe and North America, both Kathmandu and Delhi are excellent options.

Is Bangkok or Kathmandu Better?

Again, it depends on your starting point.

If you are traveling from Australia or Southeast Asia, Bangkok may be more convenient.

If you are traveling from Europe or North America, Kathmandu may be attractive if the international airfare and connection are favorable.

The key is to compare the entire journey rather than focusing on one flight.

Can You Fly Directly to Bhutan from Europe or the USA?

No.

Bhutan does not currently have nonstop commercial flights from the USA or Europe.

You will normally need to travel through a regional gateway such as:

• Kathmandu
• Delhi
• Bangkok
• Dubai
• Singapore
• Kolkata
• Dhaka
• Guwahati
• Bagdogra

From there, you connect to Bhutan.

How Early Should You Book Your Flights to Bhutan?

If you are traveling during a popular season, it is wise to start planning early.

This is particularly important around:

• Spring
• Autumn
• Major Bhutanese festivals
• Christmas and New Year
• Peak trekking seasons

Flight schedules to Paro are more limited than those of major international airports, so a good international flight does not necessarily mean you will have a convenient connection to Bhutan.

A better strategy

Before purchasing your international ticket, check the Bhutan flight schedule first.

For example:

Step 1: Check Paro flight availability for your desired date.

Step 2: Identify whether Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok or another gateway works best.

Step 3: Book your international flight around the Bhutan flight.

Step 4: Leave enough time between connecting flights.

This approach can prevent the common problem of arriving at a gateway city when there is no suitable flight to Paro that day.

Should You Book a Separate Ticket to Bhutan?

Sometimes your international flight and Bhutan flight will be on separate tickets.

For example:

London → Delhi
then
Delhi → Paro

When using separate tickets, allow plenty of connection time.

Ideally, consider an overnight stay if the schedules are tight.

This gives you protection against international flight delays and makes the journey less stressful.

Bhutan Flight Routes in 2027 at a Glance

Here are the main routes travelers should consider:

*Singapore–Paro services may operate via Guwahati depending on the schedule.

The fare ranges are indicative and based on currently available fare information and published market estimates. Actual fares can be substantially higher during peak travel periods.

Don’t Forget the Bhutan Visa and SDF

Your flight ticket is only one part of the cost of visiting Bhutan.

For most international travelers, you will also need to account for:

• Bhutan visa fee
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
• Hotels
• Private transportation
• Guide
• Meals
• Entrance fees
• Flight tickets
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

The Bhutan visa fee is currently US$40 per person, while the SDF is charged separately according to Bhutan’s current regulations.

Planning Your Bhutan Trip in 2027?

Choosing the right flight route can make your Bhutan holiday much easier.

At OMSHA Travel, we specialize in private and customized Bhutan tours and can help you plan your journey around your international flight schedule.

Whether you are planning:

• A 5-day Bhutan highlights tour
• A 7-day Best of Bhutan itinerary
• A 10-day cultural journey
• A Nepal and Bhutan combination
• An India and Bhutan holiday
• A Bhutan festival tour
• A trekking adventure
• A family vacation
• A honeymoon
• A photography trip
• A customized private Bhutan tour

we can arrange the trip according to your interests and travel dates.

Final Thoughts

Getting to Bhutan in 2027 is easier when you choose the right gateway.

For many international travelers, Kathmandu and Delhi are the best options from Europe and North America, while Bangkok and Singapore are particularly useful for travelers from Southeast Asia and Australia.

For travelers already in India, Kolkata, Guwahati and Bagdogra can provide shorter and potentially less expensive flights.

And if you are considering Dubai, check the current Dubai–Paro operating status before booking, as the route has experienced changes in its operating schedule.

Most importantly, check the Bhutan flight schedule before booking your international ticket. This simple step can save you time, money and unnecessary overnight stays.

Ready to visit Bhutan in 2027?

Contact OMSHA Travel for a private, customized Bhutan tour and let us help you plan the best route, itinerary, hotels, transportation and travel arrangements for your Bhutan journey.