9Paro International Airport, Bhutan
Paro International Airport is one of the most spectacular places to land in the world. Nestled in a narrow Himalayan valley, it is surrounded by mountains reaching heights of approximately 5,500 metres.
Unlike conventional airports, Paro requires pilots to navigate a demanding approach through mountainous terrain, carefully following a route that brings the aircraft between surrounding peaks before reaching the runway.
Flights are restricted to suitable weather conditions and daylight operations, and only specially qualified pilots are authorised to perform the approach. The combination of limited visibility, high mountains and restricted flight paths makes Paro one of the most technically demanding airports in commercial aviation.
For passengers, however, the arrival can be an unforgettable introduction to Bhutan’s extraordinary landscape.
