Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan has long been shrouded in mystery, its borders cautiously guarded against the rapid globalization sweeping much of Asia. For decades, the only way to reach this remote Buddhist kingdom was through arduous overland journeys from India. However, the establishment of Paro International Airport in 1983 marked a turning point, connecting Bhutan to the world through a handful of carefully selected airlines.

The approach to Paro Airport remains one of the most technically challenging in global aviation. Surrounded by 5,000-meter peaks, pilots must navigate a series of sharp turns through narrow valleys, with visual flight rules requiring clear daylight conditions. This explains why only a select group of 22 pilots worldwide are certified to land at Paro. The airport's single runway, measuring just 6,500 feet, adds another layer of complexity to operations.

Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines serves as the national flag carrier, operating an all-Airbus fleet of A319s and A320s. The airline's distinctive red and yellow livery, featuring the mythical thunder dragon, has become synonymous with Bhutanese aviation. Drukair maintains routes to eight countries, with key connections through Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Singapore. During peak tourist seasons, the airline occasionally introduces charter flights from European hubs like Zurich.

Bhutan's aviation policy reflects the nation's careful balance between modernization and cultural preservation. The government maintains strict control over air access, limiting foreign carriers to prevent overcrowding. Currently, only two international airlines besides Drukair have landing rights at Paro - Bhutan Airlines (a private Bhutanese carrier) and Nepal's Buddha Air, which operates seasonal flights. This controlled approach ensures that tourism growth aligns with the country's Gross National Happiness philosophy.

The passenger experience begins long before boarding, with all visitors required to obtain visas and pay a mandatory daily tourism fee. Drukair's in-flight service offers a taste of Bhutanese hospitality, serving traditional dishes like ema datshi (chili cheese stew) alongside western options. The airline's safety record remains impeccable, with no major incidents since its founding in 1981 - a remarkable achievement given the challenging flying conditions.

Looking ahead, Bhutan faces aviation infrastructure challenges as tourism demand grows. Plans for a second international airport in Gelephu, near the Indian border, have been discussed for years. This proposed development would open new economic corridors while relieving pressure on Paro. However, environmental impact studies and careful consideration of cultural implications continue to delay groundbreaking.

For travelers, flying into Bhutan remains a privilege rather than a routine transit experience. The limited seat availability, combined with the country's high-value, low-impact tourism model, ensures that each arrival by air feels like entering an exclusive Himalayan sanctuary. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, Bhutan's measured approach to air access preserves the magic of arriving in what many consider the last Shangri-La.