Drukair

In 1968, the Indian Border Roads Organisation built an airstrip in the Paro valley, which was initially used for on-call helicopter operations by the Indian Armed Forces for the Royal Government of Bhutan. After consideration by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the Tshogdu, Drukair was established by royal charter on 5 April 1981, ten years after the Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck gradually began to open up the Kingdom from self-imposed isolation, and seven years after welcoming its first foreign visitors.{{cite journal |last=Christ |first=Rolf F. |title=Bhutan puts its flag on the world's air map |journal=ICAO Journal |volume=38 |issue=6 |pages=11–13 |publisher=International Civil Aviation Organization |location=Montreal, Quebec, Canada |date=June 1983 |url=http://www.icao.int/icao/en/jr/1983/3806.djvu |access-date=15 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217004151/http://www.icao.int/icao/en/jr/1983/3806.djvu |archive-date=17 December 2014}}{{cite book |last=Zimba |first=Dasho Yeshey | editor=Ramakant and Misra, Ramesh Chandra |title=Bhutan: Society and Polity |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m8U94l6xHlYC |access-date=14 June 2014 |edition=2nd |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-044-6 |pages=177–178 |chapter=Three Decades of Planned Development |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m8U94l6xHlYC&pg=PA166 |year=1996}}{{cite news| last = Mazurkewich| first = Karen| title = Bhutan Finally Opens Doors To Luxury Travel Sector| work = The Wall Street Journal|date = 5 September 2001| url = https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB999622349332385101|access-date =15 June 2014}}

Paro Airport is located deep in a valley {{Convert|2235|m|ft}} above sea level, and is surrounded by mountains as high as {{Convert|4900|m|ft}}.{{cite press release |title=The A319 excels in operations from high-altitude airports |publisher=Airbus |date=8 February 2005 |url=http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/the-a319-excels-in-operations-from-high-altitude-airports/ |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213015322/http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/the-a319-excels-in-operations-from-high-altitude-airports/ |archive-date=13 December 2014 |url-status=dead }} At the time, the runway was {{Convert|1200|m|ft}} in length, giving the Bhutanese government specific requirements for a choice of aircraft to be operated. They required an 18–20 seat STOL-capable aircraft with operating capabilities which included a high service ceiling, high rate of climb and high manoeuvrability. The major requirement for the aircraft was that it must be capable of flying Kolkata{{spaced ndash}}Paro{{spaced ndash}}Kolkata, a {{Convert|1200|km|mi}} round-trip flight, without refuelling, due to minimal infrastructure being available at Paro for this purpose. Three different aircraft types were considered after flight tests in India and Bhutan between 1978 and 1980; however, none was deemed suitable.

In mid-1981, the Indian government set up a committee to study its own requirements for a light transport aircraft. Based upon this competition, the Bhutanese government ordered one Dornier 228-200 for delivery in January 1983, with the option for a second aircraft for delivery in late 1983. The first 18-seat Dornier 228-200 landed at Paro Airport on 14 January 1983, the exact time of landing, the number of passengers on board and even the direction in which the aircraft was parked on the airport apron were predetermined by the high lama of Paro Dzong.

The airline inaugurated scheduled revenue flights on 11 February 1983, with Flight 101 departing Paro for Kolkata and returning the next day as Flight 102. For the first four weeks, the flight was operated three times a week, after which it was increased to a daily flight. At the time of service commencement, Paro Airport consisted of the runway, a two-room air traffic control building (with the ground floor acting as the check-in counter) and a departure lounge on the lawn.{{cite journal |last=Chattopadhyay |first=Suhrid Sankar |title=Aiming high |journal=Frontline |volume=25 |issue=9 |pages=122 |date=9 May 2008 |url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2509/stories/20080509250912200.htm |issn=0970-1710 |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110095315/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2509/stories/20080509250912200.htm |archive-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=dead }} Before the establishment of the Department of Civil Aviation in January 1986, the airline was responsible for the operation and maintenance of airport infrastructure.{{cite web |title=Department of Civil Aviation| publisher=Ministry of Information and Communication (Bhutan) |url=http://www.moic.gov.bt/dca.php |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706162902/http://www.moic.gov.bt/dca.php |archive-date=6 July 2011}} The airline commenced flights to Dhaka in Bangladesh on 30 October 1986.{{Cite journal|title=On the Wings of a Dragon: 25 Years of Progress |journal=Tashi Delek |volume=XIII |issue=3 |pages=76 |date=July–September 2008 |url=http://www.tashidelek.in/pdfs/july08.pdf |access-date=25 April 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite book |last=Zimba |first=Dasho Yeshey | editor=Ramakant and Misra, Ramesh Chandra |title=Bhutan: Society and Polity |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m8U94l6xHlYC |access-date=30 July 2008|edition=2nd |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-044-6|chapter=Bhutan Towards Modernization |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m8U94l6xHlYC |page=144 |year=1996}}

File:Druk Air BAe 146 Hanuise.jpg at Paro Airport in 2005]]

On 30 December 1987, a US$25 million order was placed with British Aerospace for a BAe 146-100 STOL regional jet.{{cite news

|title = British Aerospace Orders

|work=The New York Times

|date = 31 December 1987

|url = https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/31/business/british-aerospace-orders.html?pagewanted=print

|location = London

|access-date = 25 April 2010

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150408135405/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/31/business/british-aerospace-orders.html

|archive-date = 8 April 2015

|url-status = dead

}} The purchase of the aircraft was financed by the government, obtaining, for the first time in the country's history, a commercial loan. In 1988, the airline's operational base was shifted from Kolkata to Paro Airport and the airline hired its first seven flight attendants, who were trained by Thai Airways International. On 21 November 1988, the BAe 146 was delivered to Paro Airport. With the introduction of the BAe 146, Drukair was able to widen its network to link Paro with Delhi on 26 November 1988, Bangkok on 28 January 1989 and Kathmandu in April 1989. In the first full year of operational service with the BAe 146, the airline achieved an average load factor of 50–60 percent, more than the 40 percent which was expected, carrying 12,732 passengers over the 1989{{spaced ndash}}1990 period.{{cite news|title=On the Wings of Drukair |work=The New York Times |date=10 June 1990 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/10/business/business-diary.html?pagewanted=2 |access-date=25 April 2010 |first=Allen R. |last=Myerson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403213731/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/10/business/business-diary.html?pagewanted=2 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=dead }} In 1990, the runway at Paro Airport was lengthened from {{Convert|1400|m|ft}} to {{Convert|2000|m|ft}} and reinforced for heavier aircraft.{{cite journal| last1 = Brunet| first1 = Sandra| last2 = Bauer | first2 = Johannes | last3 = De Lacy | first3 = Terry | last4 = Tshering | first4 = Karma| title = Tourism Development in Bhutan: Tensions between Tradition and Modernity| journal = Journal of Sustainable Tourism| volume = 9| issue = 3| pages =243| year = 2001| doi = 10.1080/09669580108667401| bibcode = 2001JSusT...9..243B| citeseerx = 10.1.1.120.6843| s2cid = 6123541}} A hangar was also constructed for the aircraft, which was funded by the Indian government as part of the Paro Airport Development Project.

The airline's only aircraft was requisitioned by King Jigme Singye on 9 November 1990, in order to allow the king and his party to travel to Tokyo for the coronation of Akihito as Emperor of Japan.{{Cite journal| title = Waiting for Drukair| journal = Himal| volume = 3| issue = 4| pages = 22|date = November–December 1990| issn = 1012-9804}} From Japan, the King then travelled to Malé in the Maldives for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit between 21 and 23 November, and returned to Bhutan in order for the aircraft to re-enter service with the airline on 25 November. Due to a requirement stipulated by the Bhutanese government that all foreign tourists, with the exception of Indian nationals, enter and leave Bhutan by air, the country's tourism industry was brought to a halt, which saw the airline paying hefty penalties to disgruntled tour operators. This problem was somewhat alleviated when a second BAe 146 entered service in 1992, and on 11 November 1993, the airline introduced a 10 Executive Class on the aircraft. On 13 May 1991, Drukair was registered under the Companies Act of Bhutan. Service to Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, began on 6 January 1997.{{cite news |title=Burma Press Summary |newspaper=New Light of Myanmar |date=12 November 1996 |url=http://burmalibrary.org/docs3/BPS96-11.pdf |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175751/http://burmalibrary.org/docs3/BPS96-11.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}

File:Mount Everest as seen from Drukair-1-.jpg and Paro can see Mount Everest.{{cite book | last1 = Brown| first1 = Lindsay| last2 = Mayhew| first2 = Bradley| last3 = Armington| first3 = Stan| last4 = Whitecross| first4 = Richard W.| title = Bhutan| publisher = Lonely Planet|year = 2007| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=GJvvxP-eS_EC| isbn = 978-1-74059-529-2| page = 26 |access-date=15 June 2014 }}]]

During 2000–2001, Drukair could operate with only one single aircraft for over a year due to a corrosion defect in its A5-RGD aircraft in the wing tanks that was detected during a check at Woodford. The wings were replaced. In 2002, an RJ70 was wet-leased from airBaltic to cover for maintenance to A5-RGE.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bootan.com/bhutan/drukair.shtml|title=About Drukair|access-date=22 April 2010|publisher=Bhutan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204194604/http://bootan.com/bhutan/drukair.shtml|archive-date=4 February 2009}}

Drukair became the launch customer for the Avro RJX-85 in April 2000 when it placed an order with BAE Systems for two aircraft, with deliveries initially scheduled to take place in November 2001 and January 2002.{{cite news| title = Drukair is launch customer for RJX | publisher = Air Transport World | date = 1 May 2000| url = http://business.highbeam.com/26/article-1G1-62117091/druk-air-launch-customer-rjx| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150403104503/http://business.highbeam.com/26/article-1G1-62117091/druk-air-launch-customer-rjx| url-status = dead| archive-date = 3 April 2015| access-date =15 June 2014}} Delays in the first flight and certification of the RJX pushed back expected delivery to Drukair to after April 2002.{{cite news

|last = Endres

|first = Günter

|title = Avro RJX makes first flight after subcontractor delays

|publisher = Flight International

|date = 8 May 2001

|url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/avro-rjx-makes-first-flight-after-subcontractor-delays-129802/

|access-date = 15 June 2014

|location = London

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150403170924/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/avro-rjx-makes-first-flight-after-subcontractor-delays-129802/

|archive-date = 3 April 2015

|url-status = dead

}} BAe Systems cancelled the RJX program in November 2002,{{cite news |last=Fullbrook |first=David |title=Druk seeks RJX replacement |publisher=Flight International |date=11 December 2001 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/druk-seeks-rjx-replacement-139971/ |access-date=15 June 2014 |location=Singapore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403093506/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/druk-seeks-rjx-replacement-139971/ |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=dead }} due to receiving orders from only two airlines,{{cite news| last = Coleman| first = Zach| title = Drukair's Upgrade Stalled| work = The Wall Street Journal | date = 12 December 2001| url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1008099397527517920?mod=googlewsj

| access-date =22 July 2008}} Drukair and British European. With British European threatening legal action to enforce their contract with BAE Systems,{{cite news |title=British European agrees to cancel RJXs |publisher=Flight International |date=29 January 2002 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/british-european-agrees-to-cancel-rjxs-141957/ |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403110937/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/british-european-agrees-to-cancel-rjxs-141957/ |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=dead }} the aircraft manufacturer offered to fulfil the contract for Drukair, although airline management decided against acquiring the aircraft, citing potential problems with sourcing spare parts for the aircraft in future.

In order to find a replacement for the 2 BAe 146s, Drukair management fielded submissions from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer to determine their products' suitability to meet Drukair's stringent operational requirements. Bombardier was also invited by management to demonstrate the CRJ900 regional jet,{{cite news| title = Bhutan's national carrier set to acquire two new aircraft|publisher = Airline Industry Information|date = 6 May 2002| url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Bhutan's+national+carrier+set+to+acquire+two+new+aircraft.-a085469278 |access-date =15 June 2014}} however, the airline was advised by Bombardier the aircraft would be unsuited for operations at Paro.{{cite news |last=Ionides |first=Nicholas |title=Drukair revives suspended fleet renewal effort |publisher=Flight International |date=25 March 2003 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/druk-air-revives-suspended-fleet-renewal-effort-163300/ |access-date=15 June 2014 |location=Singapore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403150439/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/druk-air-revives-suspended-fleet-renewal-effort-163300/ |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=dead }} In February 2002, the Airbus A319 became the largest aircraft to ever land at Paro Airport, when Airbus demonstrated the aircraft to the airline. By October, Boeing had withdrawn from the competition due to not being able to source an aircraft to demonstrate to the airline. With the Embraer E-190 yet to fly, it was expected that Drukair would order the A319. However, the government had concerns regarding financing for the purchase, and in October the final decision was delayed.{{cite news |title=Boeing pulls out of Drukair fleet competition |publisher=Flight International |date=8 October 2002 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-pulls-out-of-druk-air-fleet-competition-155946/ |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403150316/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-pulls-out-of-druk-air-fleet-competition-155946/ |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=dead }} After a short period of time, the government instructed management to begin evaluations once again, and a Boeing 737-700 conducted eleven test flights at Paro Airport in February 2003, in which it was demonstrated it met the requirements of the airline for operation into Paro.{{cite journal |title=737-700 Technical Demonstration Flights in Bhutan |journal=Aero |issue=23 |pages=3–16 |publisher=Boeing Commercial Airplanes |location=Seattle |date=July 2003 |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_23/aero_23.pdf |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910204606/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_23/aero_23.pdf |archive-date=10 September 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding with Drukair in July 2003 for two 114-seat Airbus A319-115, powered by two CFM56-5B engines, for delivery in the second half of 2004.{{cite press release| title = Drukair selects CFM56-5B to power new Airbus A319s| publisher = CFM International| date = 23 February 2004| url = http://www.cfm56.com/index.php?level2=blog_viewpost&t=189| archive-url = https://archive.today/20070721051203/http://www.cfm56.com/index.php?level2=blog_viewpost&t=189| url-status = dead| archive-date = 21 July 2007|access-date =26 April 2010}}{{cite news| title = Bhutan national carrier to double fleet with two Airbus jets.| publisher = Agence France-Presse|date = 12 July 2003| url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-23780525_ITM

|access-date =26 April 2010 }} The purchase of the two jets, valued at 3,534.36 million Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN), was the biggest single purchase ever made by Bhutan, and was largely responsible for a 250 percent increase in the Bhutanese trade deficit over the previous year for the financial year 2004–2005.{{cite news|last = Dorji|first = Tashi|title = A 2.5 fold increase in trade deficit|publisher = Kuensel|date =6 October 2006| url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7543| access-date =26 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053108/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7543|archive-date=5 March 2012}}{{cite book| title = Asian Development Outlook 2006| publisher = Asian Development Bank| year = 2006| location = Hong Kong| url = http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ADO/2006/default.asp| chapter = Bhutan| chapter-url = http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ADO/2006/bhu.asp| id = Publication Stock No. 010106| issn = 0117-0481| isbn = 978-971-561-603-4| access-date = 26 April 2010| page = 156| author = prep. by Frank Harrigan...| display-authors = etal| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100603012110/http://www.adb.org/documents/books/ado/2006/default.asp| archive-date = 3 June 2010}} The Bhutanese government issued BTN 1,767.18 million in government bonds to pay for one aircraft and for only the second time in Bhutan's history intended to seek a commercial loan for the other aircraft.{{cite news|last = Wangdi| first = Kencho | title = Bhutan borrows more|publisher = Kuensel|date =24 January 2004| url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3666| access-date =25 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610221056/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3666|archive-date=10 June 2011}} However, in October 2004 it announced it would instead seek a soft loan for this purpose.

On 11 November 2003, the king's birthday, Drukair initiated services to Gaya, India.{{cite news |title=Druk Air flags off Gaya flight |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=10 November 2003 |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031110/asp/siliguri/story_2553387.asp |location=Jaigaon |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403111245/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031110/asp/siliguri/story_2553387.asp |url-status=dead }} Bodh Gaya, {{Convert|10|km|mi|0}} from Gaya, is the site of the Mahabodhi Temple where Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha, reached enlightenment, and 30,000–40,000 Bhutanese make the pilgrimage every year.{{Cite journal

|last = The Bhutan Society

|title = Drukair to fly to Gaya, India

|journal = The Bhutan Society Newsletter

|issue = 28

|pages = 5

|date = January 2004

|url = http://www.bhutansociety.org/newsletter/28.pdf

|access-date = 15 June 2014

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130120044256/http://www.bhutansociety.org/newsletter/28.pdf

|archive-date = 20 January 2013

|url-status = dead

}} Pilgrims have previously made the pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya via a 2–3-day overland trip from the Bhutanese border town of Phuntsholing, and Drukair management plans on acquiring 20–30% of this traffic, although the airline had yet to record a profit on the route as of February 2006.{{cite news| last = Dorji| first = Kinley Y.| title = Less pain less merit?| publisher = Kuensel| date = 21 February 2006| url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6597|access-date =26 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053112/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6597|archive-date=5 March 2012}} The following month, as a result of Royal Bhutan Army efforts to expel from Bhutan territory Indian separatist insurgent groups, notably the United Liberation Front of Asom and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland,{{cite news|title = Bhutan captures most of ULFA bases|newspaper = The Daily Star|date = 19 December 2003| url = http://www.thedailystar.net/2003/12/19/d31219430190.htm|access-date =27 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217144342/http://www.thedailystar.net/2003/12/19/d31219430190.htm|archive-date=17 February 2009}} flights to Dhaka were suspended from 29 December in order to prevent insurgents from using Drukair flights to escape to alleged hideouts in Bangladesh.{{cite news|title = No Dhaka flight|publisher = Kuensel| date = 27 December 2003|url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3584|access-date =27 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053118/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3584|archive-date=5 March 2012 }}{{cite news |title=Bhutan stops BD flights |newspaper=Dawn |date=27 December 2003 |url=http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/28/int7.htm |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406093708/http://www.dawn.com/news/131289/bhutan-stops-bd-flights |archive-date=6 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}

File:Drukair Airbus A 319.jpg at Paro Airport]]

The first Airbus A319 arrived in Bhutan on 19 October 2004,{{cite news|title = Drukair's first Airbus lands in Paro|publisher = Kuensel|date = 20 October 2004| url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4624 |location=Paro|access-date =26 April 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110610221102/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4624 |archive-date=10 June 2011}} the date chosen after a Buddhist astrologer was consulted to ensure the aircraft arrived in Bhutan on an auspicious day in the Buddhist calendar.{{cite news| last = Kencho|first = Wangdi|title = Airbus 319 to arrive soon|publisher = Kuensel|date = 5 October 2004|url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4574 |access-date =25 April 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110610221045/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4574 |archive-date=10 June 2011}} Before entering service on commercial flights on 31 October 2004,{{cite news|title = Bhutan national carrier to extend range with new Airbuses.|publisher = Bhutan Broadcasting Service| date =1 November 2004| url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-14223687_ITM|access-date =22 July 2008}} Drukair took their A319 on a country-wide flight in honour of the ascension of Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to the Chhoetse Penlop. The second aircraft was delivered by Airbus to Drukair in December 2004.{{cite press release |title=Drukair receives its first Airbus A319 |publisher=Airbus |date=18 October 2004|url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2004/10/druk-air-receives-its-first-airbus-a319.html |access-date=2020-12-18}} On 31 August 2012, Druk Air took delivery of a third Airbus A319.{{Cn|date=December 2024}}

In July 2005, the governments of India and Bhutan signed a new bilateral air services agreement which increased the allowable number of weekly flights between the two countries from 12 to 49. In addition to destinations already served by Drukair, the cities of Mumbai, Chennai and Guwahati were included in their services agreement, with Bhutan being granted fifth freedom rights from several Indian cities to onward destinations such as Yangon, Dhaka and Singapore.{{cite news|title = Bhutan flaps travel wings|newspaper = The Telegraph|date = 8 July 2005|url =http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050708/asp/business/story_4964196.asp|access-date =15 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024045322/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050708/asp/business/story_4964196.asp|archive-date=24 October 2012|location=Calcutta, India}}{{cite press release|title = Enhancement in India-Bhutan air services|publisher = Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)|date =7 July 2005|url = http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=10074|access-date =11 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220145019/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=10074|archive-date=20 February 2009}}

Domestic helicopter service was inaugurated in November 2005,{{cite news|last = Acharya| first = Gopilal|title = Domestic helicopter service picks up|publisher = Kuensel|date = 19 January 2006|url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6|access-date =22 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610232918/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6438|archive-date=10 June 2011}} in line with a resolution by the Council of Ministers in April 2001 which stated that domestic services should be introduced. Thirty heliports across the country were identified, and the introduction of services saw, for example, the {{Convert|550|km|mi}} trip from Thimphu to Trashigang taking only one hour, instead of two to three days.{{cite journal|title = Kuensel Highlights|journal = Spur of the Momo|volume = 8|issue = 1|pages = 4|publisher = Canadian Cooperation Office|date=December 2001|url = http://www.cco.org.bt/newsletter/Spurmomo_dec2001.pdf|access-date =22 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227062059/http://www.cco.org.bt/newsletter/Spurmomo_dec2001.pdf|archive-date=27 February 2012}} The Eurocopter Ecureuil helicopter operated by the Nepalese operator, Air Dynasty, had by January 2006 seen 30 hours of service, netting Drukair US$3,000 in profits.

Flights to Dhaka, suspended since 29 December 2003, resumed on 23 October 2006,{{cite news|title = Drukair resume flights to Dhaka and beyond Oct. 23.|publisher = United News of Bangladesh|date = 19 December 2006|url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-21460833_ITM|access-date =22 July 2008}} and the airline was given rights to fly to Chittagong and Cox's Bazar by the Bangladeshi authorities.{{cite news|title = Drukair to resume Dhaka-Thimpu direct flight soon.|publisher = United News of Bangladesh| date = 13 July 2005|url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9456611_ITM|access-date =30 July 2008}} The airline announced plans in July 2007 to start scheduled flights to Mumbai via Kathmandu from March 2008,{{cite news|last = Dem|first = Kinga|title = Work on Gelephu international airport delayed|publisher = Kuensel|date = 2 July 2007|url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8690|access-date =18 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053122/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8690|archive-date=5 March 2012}} inline with the strategy of Drukair management to increase the number of Indian tourists travelling to Bhutan during the low season months of June through August and November through February.{{cite news |title=Royal Bhutan Airlines misses flight to Mumbai |work=The Economic Times |date=30 March 2008 |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Royal_Bhutan_Airlines_misses_flight_to_Mumbai/articleshow/2911142.cms |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010225722/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/royal-bhutan-airlines-misses-flight-to-mumbai/articleshow/2911142.cms |archive-date=10 October 2014 |url-status=dead}} These plans were put on hold in March 2008, due to Paro Airport not being able to handle night flights and the airline only being able to secure landing slots at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 3 am. Plans for services to Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah were also shelved.

The airline posted its first profit in 2007 of BTN 31.15 million.{{cite news |url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=847&Itemid=5 |title=Flying on the edge |last=Pelvar |first=Sonam |date=20 August 2008 |work=Bhutan Times |access-date=4 October 2009 |location=Paro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706163137/http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=847&Itemid=5 |archive-date=6 July 2011}} The two BAe 146 aircraft were sold to Star Perú in October 2007 for US$3.3 million, and left Bhutan for Peru in November and December 2007.{{cite news |title=Buyer for Drukair's BAe 146 aircraft |publisher=Kuensel |date=2 July 2007 |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8688 |access-date=22 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053149/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8688 |archive-date=5 March 2012}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20201007164448/https://bhutanculturaltravel.com/travel-to-bhutan-from-usa/ bhutanculturaltravel.com]

File:Drukair Hanuise.jpg and BAe 146 at Paro Airport in 2005]]

Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on 11 November 2007 issued a Royal Kasho establishing Druk Holding and Investments Limited, a holding company which would manage existing and future investments of the Royal Bhutanese government. As a result, seven government-owned companies, including Drukair, had their ownership transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the newly formed holding company.{{cite news |last=Pelden |first=Sonam |title=Royal command to consolidate government holdings|publisher=Bhutan Observer |date=19 January 2008 |url=http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2008/bhutan-news/01/royal-command-to-consolidate-government-holdings.html |access-date=22 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216201639/http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2008/bhutan-news/01/royal-command-to-consolidate-government-holdings.html |archive-date=16 February 2009}} Incorporated on 13 November 2007, Druk Holding and Investments announced in December 2007 that given Bhutan's tourism industry being reliant on Drukair, the head of the government agency overseeing tourism development in Bhutan would become the chairperson of Drukair, and would be responsible for improving the performance of the national airline.{{cite news |last=Wangdi |first=Phuntsho |title=DHI focuses on leadership in its companies |publisher=Kuensel |date=8 December 2007 |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9526 |access-date=22 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053153/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9526 |archive-date=5 March 2012}}

In March 2008, Drukair introduced a new uniform for its flight attendants, consisting of a contemporary kira and tego.{{cite news

| last = Palden

| first = Tshering

| title = Drukair's new look

| publisher = Kuensel

| date = 13 March 2008

| url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10006

| access-date =22 July 2008

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053525/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10006|archive-date=5 March 2012 }} The uniforms were introduced for the centenary celebrations of the monarchy, as well as the airlines own silver jubilee.{{Cite journal

| title = Drukair to celebrate silver jubilee

| journal = Tashi Delek

| volume = XIII

| issue = 1

| pages = 39

| date = March 2008

| url = http://www.tashidelek.in/pdfs/jan08.pdf

| access-date =25 April 2010

}}{{dead link|date=September 2016}} The uniform was chosen by way of a competition in which five Bhutanese fashion designers submitted entries, with the winner receiving a BTN 75,000 prize. The textiles used in the new uniform was chosen via a competition which was jointly organised by Drukair and the United Nations Development Programme to promote the Bhutanese textile industry and culture.{{cite press release

| title = Promoting Bhutanese culture through the national airline Drukair

| publisher = United Nations Development Programme Bhutan

| date = 21 March 2007

| url = http://www.undp.org.bt/info/pr06/national%20textile%20design%20competition.pdf

| access-date =22 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611041556/http://www.undp.org.bt/info/pr06/national%20textile%20design%20competition.pdf

|archive-date=11 June 2007}}{{cite news

| last = Choden

| first = Karma

| title = Imprints of happiness

| publisher = Kuensel

| date = 9 April 2007

| url = http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8308

| access-date =16 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053530/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8308|archive-date=5 March 2012

}}

Although the government of Bhutan goes to great lengths to prevent outside influences from intruding on Bhutanese culture, Drukair is not immune to problems which affect the airline industry and the world community at large. In June 2008, citing hikes in the price of oil and the need to contain operational costs, the airline reduced frequencies across its network and announced an increase in airfares to offset the increased costs, whilst taking advantage of the lower cost of jet fuel at Delhi, Kolkata and Bangkok airports.{{cite news |last=Dendup |first=Tashi |title=Drukair cuts flights to offset fuel hike |publisher=Kuensel |date=19 June 2008 |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10603 |access-date=22 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053157/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10603|archive-date=5 March 2012 }} Due to its small network which is reliant on fifth-freedom rights, Drukair regularly leases its aircraft to other airlines, such as Myanmar Airways International and Bangkok Airways in order to keep utilisation rates on its aircraft higher than they would under normal circumstances, whilst at the same time earning extra revenue.{{cite news |last=Lu |first=An |title=Myanmar int'l airline to resume flight with alternate aircraft |publisher=Xinhua News Agency |date=28 July 2008 |url= http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/28/content_8786391.htm |access-date=9 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106070649/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/28/content_8786391.htm |archive-date=6 November 2012}}{{cite news |last=Ellis |first=Eric |title=Asian carriers' wings clipped |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=26 July 2008 |url=http://business.smh.com.au/business/asian-carriers-wings-clipped-20080725-3l0y.html?page=2 |access-date=9 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217032338/http://business.smh.com.au/business/asian-carriers-wings-clipped-20080725-3l0y.html?page=2 |archive-date=17 February 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/27/content_11952405.htm |title=Some int'l airlines to extend flight services to Myanmar |last=Xianzhi |first=Li |date=27 August 2009 |publisher=Xinhua |access-date=3 October 2009 |location=Yangon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106070727/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/27/content_11952405.htm |archive-date=6 November 2012}}

The airline was due to begin flights on 20 April 2009 to Bagdogra Airport in India, but had to delay the inaugural flight due to the lack of immigration and customs facilities at the airport.{{cite news |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=12307 |title=Bagdogra inaugural flight flop |date=20 April 2009 |publisher=Kuensel |access-date=1 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053420/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=12307 |archive-date=5 March 2012}} The inaugural flight to Bagdogra Airport left Paro Airport on 18 June 2009, making Drukair the first international airline to operate into the airport. In Bagdogra, a ceremony was held which was attended by S. M. Krishna, the Indian Minister for External Affairs, and Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, the Bhutanese Minister of Foreign Affairs.{{cite news |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=12775 |title=Bagdogra open to Drukair traffic |last=Norbu |first=Passang |date=19 June 2009 |publisher=Kuensel |access-date=1 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053427/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=12775 |archive-date=5 March 2012}}

{{update section|date=December 2014}}

Until 23 August 2010 Drukair was the only airline flying into Bhutan.[http://www.buddhaair.com/ Buddha Air]

The airline is important for Bhutan and the Bhutanese people,{{cite news |last=Ionides |first=Nicholas |title=Bhutan's Drukair looks to expand |publisher=Airline Business |date=9 April 2008 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bhutan39s-druk-air-looks-to-expand-222856/ |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730190009/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bhutan39s-druk-air-looks-to-expand-222856/ |archive-date=30 July 2014 |url-status=dead }} connecting Bhutan with the outside world and supporting tourism and export markets.{{cite news |last=Tashi |first=Tshering|title = Bhutan, Land of Happiness |publisher=Bhutan Observer |date=13 June 2008 |url=http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2008/readers-voices/06/%E2%80%9Cbhutan-land-of-happiness%E2%80%9D.html |access-date=22 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126010609/http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2008/readers-voices/06/%E2%80%9Cbhutan-land-of-happiness%E2%80%9D.html |archive-date=26 November 2010}}{{cite news |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13415 |title=250,000 tourists a year? |last=Choden |first=Phuntsh |date=12 September 2009 |publisher=Kuensel |access-date=1 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053432/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13415|archive-date=5 March 2012}}{{cite journal |last=Chattopadhyay |first=Suhrid Sankar |title=Flying dragon |journal=Frontline |volume=26 |issue=20 |pages=122 |date=9 October 2009 |url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2620/stories/20091009262012200.htm |issn=0970-1710 |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110095315/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2620/stories/20091009262012200.htm |archive-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}

In October 2009, the Bhutanese government planned construction works for an airstrip in Yongphulla. The airstrip, which was expected to be {{Convert|3900|ft|m}} in length and operational by March 2010, would allow for service by small aircraft in the 15–16 seat category.{{cite news |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13522 |title=Getting ready to take off |last=Penjore |first=Ugyen |date=25 September 2009 |publisher=Kuensel |access-date=1 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053438/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13522 |archive-date=5 March 2012}} The project was being financed with Nu. 34 million from the budget which was previously allocated to the development of domestic helicopter services. The airstrip would only be operational during the morning hours due to high winds in the afternoon, making safe operations risky.{{cite news |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13325 |title=Domestic air service to take wing soon |last=Palden |first=Tshering |date=1 September 2009 |publisher=Kuensel |access-date=1 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053444/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13325 |archive-date=5 March 2012}}

Drukair is conducting a feasibility study into operating flights to the airstrip from Paro, as well as two others which are under construction at Bathpalathang and Gelephu.{{Cite web |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14069 |title=Kuensel Newspaper – 2 domestic airports by 2010 |access-date=25 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053919/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14069 |archive-date=5 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Pelden |first1=Sonam |title=Groundwork begins for taking to the air |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14428 |access-date=15 June 2014 |publisher=Kuensel |date=8 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053837/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14428 |archive-date=5 March 2012}}

In 2006, the Indian government, acting for the Bhutanese government, conducted a feasibility study into the viability of an international airport near the southern Bhutanese town of Gelephu. In the five-year plan (which covers 2008–2013) the sum of BTN 2,826 million had been allocated by the Bhutanese government for development of the new airport.{{Cite book |title=Tenth Five Year Plan 2008 – 2013 (Draft) |location=Thimphu, Bhutan |publisher=Gross National Happiness Commission |volume=2 (Programme profiles) |date=5 February 2008 |pages=65–68 |url=http://paris21.org/sites/default/files/3132.pdf |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213015603/http://paris21.org/sites/default/files/3132.pdf |archive-date=13 December 2014 |url-status=dead }} A preliminary survey was conducted by India in May 2006 and the survey team from the Airports Authority of India was to return and complete the final survey in September 2006. In October 2008 the project was shelved, and the Bhutanese government decided that the airport at Gelephu would be used for domestic flights only.{{cite news |author=Tenzing Lamsang |title=Gelephu Int'l Airport – Now A Domestic One |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11282 |work=Kuensel |date=9 October 2008 |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053824/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11282 |archive-date=5 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}

Since then, the construction of a domestic airport at Gelephu has been scheduled to commence in late 2010 with the airport proposing to start operations in June 2011. The Bhutanese Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has indicated that Gelephu's will be an 'all-weather' airport that may be able to accept some international traffic in the future.

Under the Vision 2020 Plan, the Royal Bhutanese Government has identified the requirement for improved external air links by 2017, in an effort to increase tourism revenue 100% by 2012 and 150% by 2017.{{cite web |url=http://www.adb.org/documents/csps/bhu/2005/csp-bhu-2005.pdf |title=Country Strategy and Program: 2006–2010, Bhutan |work=Bhutan 2020-A Vision for Peace, Prosperity and Happiness |page=10 |access-date=22 April 2010 |publisher=Asian Development Bank |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014445/http://www.adb.org/documents/csps/bhu/2005/csp-bhu-2005.pdf |archive-date=7 June 2011 }} Drukair is conducting feasibility studies into the commencement of operations to either Hong Kong or Singapore by March 2011. The airline's commercial manager has stated that preliminary studies show that Bhutanese traffic to Singapore would consist mainly of official travel, whilst traffic to Hong Kong would be mainly commercial, with good prospects for tourism development.{{cite news |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15216 |title=Drukair in the Orient |last=Dorji |first=Gyalsten K |date=18 April 2010 |publisher=Kuensel |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610221658/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15216 |archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}

On 21 April 2010, an ATR 42 turboprop regional aircraft was delivered to Paro under a nine-month lease. The aircraft was used on flights from Paro to Kolkata and Kathmandu, and was on standby during the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit in Thimphu at the end of April. Drukair announced its intention to join the International Air Transport Association in 2009.{{cite news |last=Dema |first=Kinga |title=For more convenience |publisher=Kuensel |date=26 April 2007 |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8372 |access-date=18 July 2008}}

During February 2018, Druk air performed a few charter flights to Hong Kong and additional charter flights were on slate during the following months. The airline had received request for charter flights to other destinations in Asia. It was also reported that Druk air would be adding an Airbus A320neo aircraft as well as purchasing a new ATR-42-600 aircraft.{{cite news |title=Drukair starts chartered flights to Hong Kong | publisher=Kuensel |date=26 March 2018 |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/drukair-starts-chartered-flights-to-hong-kong/}}

Drukair took delivery of its new ATR 42-600 on 22 October 2019.{{cite news |title=DRUKAIR TAKES DELIVERY OF LATEST GENERATION ATR 42-600 |publisher=ATR |date=22 October 2019 |url=http://www.atraircraft.com/newsroom/drukair-takes-delivery-of-latest-generation-atr-42-600-1573-en.html/ |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930100520/http://atraircraft.com/newsroom/drukair-takes-delivery-of-latest-generation-atr-42-600-1573-en.html |url-status=dead }} This was followed by the delivery of the Airbus A320neo in April 2020.{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Ashley |title=Visitors can look forward to a brand new experience at Paro International Airport |url=https://www.dailybhutan.com/article/visitors-can-look-forward-to-a-brand-new-experience-at-paro-international-airport |access-date=8 December 2022 |work=Daily Bhuta |issue=18 Oct 2021 |date=18 Oct 2021}}

Drukair operates scheduled flights to the following destinations:{{cite web |title=Drukair Schedule |publisher=DrukAsia |url=https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-druk-air/drukair-flight-schedule/ |access-date=5 February 2025}}{{cite web |title=Drukair Destinations |publisher=Drukair |url=https://www.drukair.com.sg/destinations/ |access-date=31 January 2025}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.drukair.com.bt/COMMON.aspx?Type=Corporate%20Information.htm |title=Drukair – Corporate information |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927065336/https://www.drukair.com.bt/COMMON.aspx?Type=Corporate%20Information.htm |archive-date=27 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}

Drukair has codeshare and interline agreements with the following airlines:

• Hahn Airhttps://drukair.com.bt/drukair-expands-its-global-distribution-through-partnership-with-hahn-air/#:~:text=Drukair%2C%20Royal%20Bhutan%20Airlines%2C%20officially,expanding%20its%20distribution%20network%20worldwide.
• Nepal Airlines

=== Interline ===

• Turkish Airlines.https://drukair.com.bt/drukair-launched-an-interline-e-ticketing-partnership-with-turkish-airlines/#:~:text=25%20August%2C%202023,Press%20Release%20View!

{{As of|May 2022}}, the Drukair fleet consists of the following aircraft:{{Cn|date=December 2024}}

An ATR 42-500 first operated on a nine-month lease from April 2010 was evaluated by the airline with the possibility of a future purchase. On 4 June 2011, a purchased ATR 42-500 arrived in Paro. Drukair had bought the 48-seater with the view of using it to service the domestic routes to Bumthang and Yonphula in late 2011. On 22 October 2019, Drukair received a new ATR 42-600 following which it sold its ATR 42-500 to ATR.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=119301|title=Drukair to buy a new ATR aircraft

|website=BBS|date=13 August 2019 |access-date=16 December 2019}}

On 12 October 2021, Drukair inaugurated its first Airbus A320neo. The aircraft was ordered in 2018 and received in April 2020.{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Ashley |title=Visitors can look forward to a brand new experience at Paro International Airport |url=https://www.dailybhutan.com/article/visitors-can-look-forward-to-a-brand-new-experience-at-paro-international-airport |access-date=6 December 2022 |work=Daily Bhutan |date=12 October 2022}}

The Airbus H130 is the primary helicopter used for charter flights to remote villages. Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services, which previously operated the helicopter fleet, was merged with Druk Air to form Druk Air Helicopter Services.

The Druk Air helicopter services fleet consists of the following aircraft ({{as of|2024|12|lc=y}}):

{{reflist|group=note}}

"HapinessSmiles" formerly "My Happiness Reward" was launched by Drukair on 10 November 2014, to commemorate the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck and to celebrate his enlightened and visionary philosophy of Gross National Happiness.{{Cite web |url=http://happiness.drukair.com.bt/pgTermsandConditons.aspx |title=My Happiness Reward – Program Information |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927071655/http://happiness.drukair.com.bt/pgTermsandConditons.aspx |archive-date=27 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}

Program members can accumulate miles corresponding to the distance flown on Drukair and their class of service. Accrued miles may then be redeemed for free air tickets (Happiness Reward Ticket), upgrades at airports (Happiness Class Upgrade), and other benefits. Drukair currently offers 3 tiers of membership: Silver (Basic tier), Gold, and Platinum (the elite tier).

• On 16 April 2016, Druk Air Flight KB140 was damaged after flying through a hailstorm while on approach to Guwahati. The aircraft, an Airbus A319-115, operated on a flight from Paro to Bangkok via Guwahati. While descending to Guwahati over the Garo Hills, hailstones damaged and punctured the nose cone of the aircraft. A safe landing was made at Guwahati. No injuries were reported.[https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=186551 ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 186551]
• On 3 March 2023, an EC130 with registration A5-BHT operated by Drukair Helicopter Services crashed near Wachey in Bhutan. Five people were on board, a family of four and a pilot. Two of the killed were a mother and her daughter.

• Transport in Bhutan

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• [http://www.drukair.com.bt Drukair official website]

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Category:Airlines of Bhutan

Category:Airlines established in 1981

Category:Government-owned airlines

Bhutan

Category:1981 establishments in Bhutan

Category:Paro District