At Bhutan's Paro International Airport (PBH), a Buddha in the cockpit bears witness to a display of aviation skill as pilots perform daring maneuvers to land the A319 on a runway that seems to thread the needle between mountain peaks. When the plane touches down safely, the relieved passengers offer a round of applause—this is just another day at an airport that's known as one of the world's most challenging airports for pilots.
A Meeting of Mountains and Metal
Paro International Airport is a testament to the blend of natural beauty and technical prowess. Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan's only international airport is a magnet for aviation enthusiasts and a place where only a select group of pilots are cleared to land.
"Paro is difficult, but not dangerous," asserts Captain Chimi Dorji, a seasoned pilot with 25 years of experience at Druk Air, Bhutan's national carrier. His confidence stems from the specialized training that allows him to navigate the airport's short runway, a task that requires nerves of steel and a keen understanding of the landscape.
The Challenges of Paro
Pilots at Paro must be adept at manual landings, devoid of the comfort of radar assistance. The airport's designation as a category C airport means that only pilots with specific training are allowed to operate here. The stakes are high—miss the mark by a hair, and the consequences are severe.
Bhutan's mountainous terrain, with peaks rising over 18,000 feet, demands that aircraft fly faster to maintain lift in the thin air. Weather plays a critical role, with early morning landings preferred to avoid the strong winds and thermals that arise later in the day.
The Future of Flight in Bhutan
While Paro remains a symbol of Bhutan's commitment to sustainable tourism and challenging aviation, the country is expanding its aviation capabilities. With the development of a new "mindfulness city" in Gelephu, Bhutan is looking to the future. The flatter terrain there will accommodate longer runways and open the door to a new era of connectivity, possibly bringing direct flights from North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Cultivating Pilots for the Skies
As Bhutan's aviation industry grows, so does the need for local pilots. Druk Air, founded in 1981, is taking the lead in training the next generation of pilots, instilling in them the skills to handle Bhutan's diverse seasons and terrain. Captain Dorji, now training pilots and cabin crew, sees himself as a bridge between the old and new generations of aviators.
With only about 50 licensed pilots in Bhutan, the potential for growth is immense. Captain Dorji anticipates that the number of pilots could double in the coming years, ready to take on the challenges and rewards of flying in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
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