First Direct Flights to Launch Between Israel and Bhutan

For the first time, direct flights will connect Israel and Bhutan, with Bhutan's national carrier, Drukair, operating five seasonal flights between February and mid-March. These non-regular services are chartered by the travel agency Caminos and will utilize an Airbus A320 with approximately 110 seats, offering both economy and business class options. The journey will take about seven hours.

This new route aims to make the reclusive Himalayan kingdom more accessible to Israelis, who previously had to transit through Asia. The associated eight-day tours are designed for small groups of up to 16 people, including full board and stays in five-star hotels, priced at $5,395 per person. Organizers state this fee covers visa costs and Bhutan's sustainable development tax.

Bhutan, a nation of about 800,000 people situated between India and China, has historically maintained a policy of "high value, low volume" tourism since opening to foreign visitors in 1974. Flights land at Paro International Airport, located in a narrow valley at 2,200 meters altitude, known for one of aviation's most challenging approaches. Due to the lack of standard instrument landing systems and surrounding high peaks, only a select group of pilots are qualified for daytime, good-visibility landings, which Drukair describes as among the world's most spectacular.

The flights follow the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Bhutan in December 2020. The two countries have a history of cooperation, with Israel supporting vocational training in Bhutan since 1982, and both governments have expressed interest in expanding collaboration in areas such as water management, technology, and agricultural sciences. Drukair and Bhutanese tourism authorities are considering a new program for late 2027.