Bhutan has marked a historic turning point in its aviation journey. On 8 December 2025, the long-anticipated Gelephu International Airport operated its first ever international flight, connecting Bhutan to Kolkata via Drukair.
This inaugural Gelephu – Kolkata – Gelephu service officially positions Gelephu as Bhutan’s newest open door for global travellers, investors, and regional connectivity — a milestone moment for the Gelephu Mindfulness City vision.
A traditional water-cannon salute in Kolkata honoured the arrival of the flight, while the return leg to Bhutan completed the symbolic launch of full international operations. On board were senior leaders including Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, GMC Governor Dr Lotay Tshering, and Drukair officials, marking the airport’s first international crossing as both operational and historic.
For travellers, it marks something even more exciting: Bhutan now has two international aviation entry points for the first time in history.
A Second International Gateway — What It Means for Travellers
Until now, Paro International Airport has been Bhutan’s only point of international air entry — famously scenic, but equally restrictive due to its short runway and mountain-locked approach. With Gelephu now open to the skies, travellers can expect easier access, improved scheduling flexibility and smoother regional connections, especially from eastern India and beyond.
Beginning 12 December 2025, Drukair will operate scheduled flights twice weekly, every Monday and Friday:
| Route | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gelephu → Kolkata | KB210 | 12:10 | 13:10 |
| Kolkata → Gelephu | KB211 | 13:50 | 15:20 |
How much does it cost to fly to Bhutan from Kolkata ? Air fares for the route currently range from Nu 5,500 (Economy, one-way) to Nu 35,022 for a full-service Business Class return:
- Nu 5,500 (economy, one-way) → ~ USD 61.1 or ~ €53.4
- Nu 35,022 (business-class return) → ~ USD 389.0 or ~ €334.5
For visitors planning journeys into Bhutan, Gelephu becomes an attractive new entry — especially for those continuing on to southern and central Bhutan or exploring future development zones of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
More on this topic: How To Reach Bhutan (Dedicated page)
A Boost to Tourism, Trade & Bhutan’s Future Vision
The launch of international flights from Gelephu is more than a new route — it is a strategic foundation for Bhutan’s future economy.
“With the launch of international flights, Gelephu will connect Bhutan more seamlessly with our neighbours. This is a symbol of our readiness for mindful, sustainable and future-focused development.”
— Dr Lotay Tshering, Governor, GMC
Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk echoed the transformational potential:
The airport received its Aerodrome Certificate in September 2023, confirming international-standard readiness — a critical step in this aviation milestone.
Looking Ahead — Gelephu Mindfulness City Takes Shape
The flight comes at a time when global attention is already focused on Gelephu.
The airport was recently awarded Future Project of the Year at the World Architecture Festival 2025, celebrated for its vision of sustainable development, adaptive timber architecture, and integration of spiritual and environmental philosophy.
With the runway now open to regional skies, the transformation of Gelephu into Bhutan’s southern economic hub has officially begun.
For Bhutan, this is not just an aviation milestone — it is a doorway to the future.
What This Means for Travellers With Across Bhutan
With two international airports soon serving the kingdom, visitors will have greater flexibility in designing routes, especially for itineraries focusing on:
- Samdrup Jongkhar & the eastern belt
- Sarpang & central cultural trails
- Wellness-focused retreats in upcoming GMC zones
- Overland travel extensions into India
As flights expand and tourism grows, Across Bhutan will offer new routes, curated itineraries, and seamless handling for arrivals via both Paro and Gelephu.
The skies have opened — and Bhutan is ready to welcome the world in an entirely new way.
