Drukair Expands Singapore Services, Bolstering Bhutan’s Global Connectivity
Drukair increases flight frequency for its Singapore route from two to three times weekly
Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) has increased its scheduled flight frequency between Singapore and Paro. The national carrier for the Kingdom of Bhutan will fly three times weekly from Singapore to Paro (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday), starting 16 May 2026, expanding capacity from the previous schedule of two departures on Thursday and Sunday.
Druk Asia, proudly established in Singapore, stands as one of Asia's pioneering Bhutan travel specialists. Since its inception in 2009 as the local representative of Drukair, Bhutan’s national carrier, the company has evolved into a trusted leader in curating transformative journeys to Bhutan. With a strong focus on social impact and wellness-centered travel, Druk Asia crafts meaningful experiences that resonate deeply with travelers while contributing positively to Bhutan's communities and cultural preservation.
In October 2024, in addition to Druk Asia’s work promoting tourism, Druk Asia reinforced its commitment to protecting Bhutan's cultural preservation and a wider Social Impact with its appointment by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan as the official marketing representative for the Building Fund of the Museums of Bhutan.
The New Flight Schedule at a Glance
Under the enhanced schedule, Drukair will operate interim* flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Paro International Airport (PBH) on the following days in April:
Singapore → Paro: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
Paro → Singapore: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
*subject to schedule changes and adjustments
Seasonal Adjustment after 16 May 2026
Drukair will implement a seasonal adjustment to the schedule. From this date, flight operations will shift to the following days:
Singapore → Paro: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Paro → Singapore: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Expanded Connectivity to Bhutan
Singapore serves as the vital link for Bhutan's fastest-growing visitor markets. By adding a third weekly service, Drukair is simplifying the journey for long-haul visitors, particularly from the South Pacific and North America. In 2025, Singapore Changi Airport recorded an all-time high of 69.98 million passenger movements, with Australia ranking among its top four markets.
The Global Gateway: China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia were Changi’s top four passenger markets in 2025, with North America registering some of the highest regional growth at 15.8%.
Australian Connection: Australia is now home to Bhutan’s largest community abroad, approximately 37,500 residents. Daily, over 30 flights arrive in Singapore from Australia across multiple carriers, including Scoot, Singapore Airlines and Qantas. The enhanced Drukair schedule ensures seamless connectivity for both the Bhutanese diaspora visiting home and Australian travellers eager to check Bhutan off their bucket list.
North American Growth: In 2025, visitors to Bhutan from the United States rose by 20% while arrivals from Canada increased by 22%. For these travelers, Singapore offers the most efficient one-stop gateway via daily non-stop flights from New York (JFK and Newark), San Francisco, Los Angeles, and five flights a week from Vancouver with Air Canada.
The additional flight offers travelers unprecedented flexibility in navigating Bhutan’s unique tourism landscape.
Accessibility to Bhutan for Mindful Holidays
"Slow Travel" Integration: With more frequent options, visitors can balance time between Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha without rushing, making space for immersive homestays and necessary acclimatization.
Seamless Festival Access: Bhutan’s iconic tshechus (festivals) often fall on specific lunar dates. The additional frequency ensures travelers can arrive exactly when the festivities begin and depart at their leisure.
Sustainable Growth, Not Mass Tourism
This expansion reflects a growing demand for Bhutan’s "High Value, Low Volume" tourism model. By increasing frequency rather than just capacity, Drukair ensures that the journey remains exclusive and meaningful while improving access via Changi Airport, one of the world's best-connected aviation hubs
"This measured expansion reflects our deep respect for Bhutan's sustainable tourism ethos while acknowledging Singapore's indispensable role as a global aviation hub. By enhancing connectivity thoughtfully, we are not only strengthening bilateral relations between Singapore and Bhutan, but also ensuring that growth never comes at the expense of Bhutan's pristine environment and cultural integrity."
Private Jets & Helicopter Agility
Complementing its commercial expansion, Drukair is diversifying its specialized aviation offerings to enhance its aviation services:
● The Pilatus PC-24 Private Jet Charter: this "Super Versatile Jet" (A5-JUW) provides VIP and corporate groups with an exclusive 8-passenger executive configuration. It is the only executive jet capable of landing on short, unpaved runways, offering direct access to remote valleys and the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). This aircraft is also available for private charter from regional hubs like Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok.
Expanded Helicopter Fleet: Following a merger with Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services, Drukair now operates a fleet of three Airbus H130 helicopters. These are used for scenic tours (including the iconic Tiger's Nest flyover), emergency evacuations, and luxury transfers.
Reservation Services integrated with Tour Bookings: Druk Asia provides seamless services for international travellers to book 20-minute scenic transfers or domestic charters
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About Druk Asia
Druk Asia, proudly established in Singapore, stands as one of Asia's pioneering Bhutan travel specialists. Since its inception in 2009 as the local representative of Drukair, Bhutan’s national carrier, the company offers flexible booking and expert support for travel agencies globally. With a strong focus on social impact and wellness-centered travel, Druk Asia crafts meaningful experiences that resonate deeply with travelers while contributing positively to Bhutan's communities and cultural preservation.
About Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines
Drukair Corporation Limited, the national flag carrier of Bhutan, was established in 1981. Operating from its hub at Paro International Airport, Drukair serves 10 international destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to its international routes, Drukair services 3 domestic destinations within Bhutan and offers helicopter services to enhance its range beyond fixed-wing operations.