Air India, Drukair announce India-Bhutan connectivity partnership
Air India and Drukair have announced a new interline partnership designed to boost connectivity between India, Bhutan, and key international destinations. The agreement allows passengers to book a single ticket for travel on both carriers, streamlining the process for those flying into the Himalayan kingdom or heading out from Paro.
Direct routes through Indian hubs
The partnership creates a direct link between Drukair’s network and Air India’s major domestic and international gateways. Drukair guests can now connect through Delhi, Guwahati, or Kolkata to reach Air India’s extensive domestic network, which includes major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kochi. This arrangement opens up travel to a wide range of major international destinations such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Newark, Frankfurt, New York (JFK), London (Heathrow), Melbourne, San Francisco, Sydney, Toronto Pearson, and Vancouver.
For Air India travelers, the deal means easier access to Paro. The airline’s guests can seamlessly fly to the Bhutanese capital via Delhi from across Air India’s expanding international network. Passengers also gain convenient onward connections within Bhutan, with links available from Paro to Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula.
This collaboration offers a coordinated baggage policy and through-transfer services at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Travelers benefit from competitive interline fares, which provide enhanced flexibility and greater overall value for their journey.
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Regional expansion and leadership response
With this partnership, Air India offers seamless connectivity to nearly all countries in the SAARC region through its own or partner network. Reciprocally, Drukair passengers gain direct access via Delhi, Guwahati, and Kolkata to Air India’s extensive domestic network.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, stated that the partnership reinforces the airline’s commitment to the SAARC region, which it considers its extended home market. He noted that Bhutan is a valued part of this region and that the carrier is happy to enable easy access to the country for its guests.
Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair, described the agreement as a significant milestone. He said the collaboration strengthens the airline’s global connectivity and enhances the travel experience for its customers by offering seamless journeys and expanded access to key international markets.
