Direct Flights Launch Between Israel and Bhutan

For the first time in history, direct flights will operate between Israel and the Kingdom of Bhutan. Drukair, Bhutan's national airline, will run five seasonal flights from Israel to Bhutan in February and March, organized by the travel company "Kaminos." These flights are expected to make the exotic destination more accessible to Israeli travelers. The journey is scheduled to take approximately seven hours, utilizing an Airbus A320 configured for about 110 passengers, with both economy and business class options available. The airline and tourism officials are planning further initiatives for late 2027.

Bhutan, a small, mountainous kingdom nestled between India and China in the Himalayas, is known for its preserved traditional culture, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning mountain scenery. The country, with a population of around 800,000, opened to international tourism in 1974 but maintains a policy of "High Value, Low Volume" tourism to protect its unique character. International visitors are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per person per night, a policy currently in effect until August 31, 2027.

Organized tours accompanying these direct flights will be eight days long, with small groups of up to 16 travelers. Packages include accommodation in five-star hotels or top-rated regional hotels on a full-board basis. The cost for a double occupancy package is $5,395 per person, which organizers state includes visa and tourism tax fees. Business class upgrades are also available.

The flight to Bhutan's Paro International Airport is renowned as one of the most challenging and spectacular landings in aviation. Situated in a narrow valley at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters, the airport is surrounded by Himalayan peaks reaching up to 5,500 meters. Pilots must navigate through steep valleys with limited visibility and no standard ILS landing system, requiring specialized training and certification due to the complex terrain and wind conditions. The approach is only permitted during daylight hours and under suitable weather conditions, with only a select number of pilots qualified to perform the landing.