Bhutan Airlines, the first private airline in Bhutan, has revealed plans to launch flights between Paro International Airport and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates starting January 2024. This announcement was made during the airline’s 10th-anniversary celebration at Pemako Hotel in Thimphu, attended by dignitaries, international agents, and well-wishers, signifying a major milestone for Bhutan Airlines. 

This marks the inauguration of the first direct airline connection between the Gulf region and Bhutan post-pandemic. Bhutan Airlines has applied to operate a bi-weekly service from Paro to Sharjah, with a layover in Dhaka. The proposed route seeks to streamline travel to Bhutan for Western travellers, particularly those residing or passing through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, significantly reducing their overall travel time. 

During the event, Bhutan Airlines introduced a new partnership with World Ticket (W2), a Global Distribution System (GDS) sub-hosting service. This virtual code-share arrangement offers a global distribution and ticketing solution, enabling Bhutan Airlines flights to be easily accessible and available for purchase through a wide range of GDS channels and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). The partnership is effective immediately and will provide access to 180 Billing & Settlement Plan (BSP) markets through W2.

In June 2023, Bhutan Airlines’ CEO, Pema Nadik, announced the signing of a bilateral interline ticketing agreement with Thai Airways. The reservation systems of both airlines have been seamlessly integrated for bilateral Interline E-Ticket (IET), enabling Thai Airways and Bhutan Airways to issue tickets for each other’s routes.  The next phase involves launching Inter Airline Through Check-in (IATCI) with Thai Airways, simplifying travel for passengers connecting to and from Bhutan.

The event also included the official announcement of Bhutan Airlines’ partnership with the  Bhutan Olympic Committee, demonstrating the airline’s dedication to supporting and promoting the spirit of sports for Bhutanese athletes participating in international events. 

Established in 2013, Bhutan Airlines began with domestic operations using an 8-seater Pilatus aircraft. It quickly expanded its services to international destinations, introducing the state-of-the-art Airbus 320 aircraft. During Bhutan’s tourism boom from 2017 to 2019, Bhutan Airways successfully transported almost 400,000 passengers, according to the CEO.

Highlighting Bhutan Airlines’ pioneering charter operations, CEO Pema Nadik proudly shared the airline’s role in introducing charter flights to the unexplored Vietnam market, boosting visitor numbers.

Acknowledging the unique challenges brought about by the pandemic, CEO Nadik emphasised Bhutan Airlines’ role as a crucial lifeline. The airline operated repatriation flights for stranded citizens and transported essential medical supplies and goods, in collaboration with the national carrier, Drukair.

The CEO of Bhutan Airlines, Pema Nadik, also extended an apology for the unavoidable flight cancellations during the initial days of the scheduled operation’s restart post-COVID. In reassurance, the CEO stated, “I stand here today and give you my assurance that those days of uncertainty are over, and we will stand by our pledge to provide safe and reliable service henceforth”.