Air India and Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines strengthen India-Bhutan connectivity with new interline agreement
Air India and Drukair’s new interline partnership is a smart move that significantly strengthens connectivity between India and Bhutan, while also opening up broader international access.
Single-Ticket Convenience:
Passengers can book one itinerary combining Air India and Drukair flights, with coordinated baggage and seamless transfers via Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Expanded Access to Bhutan:
Air India guests can now reach Paro easily, with onward connections to Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula.
Drukair’s Reach Extended:
Bhutanese travelers gain direct access to Air India’s domestic hubs (Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi) and major international destinations including Paris, Frankfurt, London, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sydney, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Competitive Interline Fares:
More flexibility and value for passengers traveling across the SAARC region and beyond.
Leadership Perspectives
- Nipun Aggarwal (Air India CCO): Called Bhutan a “valued part of the SAARC region” and emphasized Air India’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity.
- Tandi Wangchuk (Drukair CEO): Highlighted that the partnership expands Drukair’s global reach and enhances passenger experience with seamless journeys.
Why It Matters
This partnership not only boosts tourism and business travel but also positions Air India as a key connector across the SAARC region. For Bhutan, it’s a major step in integrating more closely with global travel networks, while for Indian travelers, it makes Bhutan more accessible than ever.
