Air India and Bhutan’s national carrier Drukair have launched a new interline partnership designed to improve connections between Bhutan, India and destinations across the two airlines’ international networks.
The agreement allows passengers to combine Air India and Drukair flights on a single ticket, with coordinated passenger transfers and baggage checked through to the final destination.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will serve as a key connecting hub under the partnership, opening new one-ticket travel options between Bhutan and Air India’s growing domestic and international network.
Easier connections to Bhutan via Delhi
Air India passengers will be able to connect to Paro, Bhutan’s main international gateway, through Delhi from destinations across the carrier’s network.
From Paro, travellers can also connect with Drukair services to domestic destinations including Bumthang, Gelephu and Yonphula.
The arrangement significantly expands the options available to international travellers heading to Bhutan, particularly those arriving from markets where Air India already has a strong presence.
Passengers booking an interline itinerary will benefit from through-checked baggage and coordinated transfers rather than having to manage separate tickets and baggage procedures between airlines.
Competitive interline fares will also be available across eligible itineraries.
Drukair passengers gain access to Air India’s network
The partnership works in both directions, giving Drukair passengers access to Air India’s network through Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata.
Within India, this includes connections to major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kochi.
Internationally, passengers travelling from Bhutan will be able to connect with Air India flights to destinations including London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, New York JFK, Newark, Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, Melbourne and Sydney.
Connections to Colombo are also included, further extending Drukair’s reach across South Asia.
For Air India, the agreement means the carrier can now provide connectivity to nearly every country in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region through either its own flights or partner networks.
Partnership targets tourism and business travel
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, said the agreement forms part of the airline’s wider strategy to improve connectivity within South Asia.
“Our partnership with Drukair reinforces our commitment to strengthening connectivity across the SAARC region, which we consider our extended home market,” Aggarwal said.
“Bhutan is a valued part of this region, and we are happy to enable easy access to Bhutan for our guests and look forward to welcoming Drukair’s passengers onto Air India’s extensive domestic and global network.”
The partnership could also make Bhutan more accessible to long-haul travellers by simplifying journeys that previously required separately arranged connections.
Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk described the agreement as an important step in expanding the Bhutanese carrier’s international reach.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Drukair as we continue to strengthen our global connectivity and enhance the travel experience for our passengers,” Wangchuk said.
“Through this interline partnership with Air India, our customers will benefit from seamless journeys, expanded access to key international markets, and improved connectivity across India and beyond.”
Greater international access to Bhutan
Bhutan’s mountainous geography and relatively limited international aviation network make airline partnerships particularly important for travellers reaching the country from long-haul markets.
Paro Airport is the country’s principal international gateway, while Drukair also provides domestic connections to smaller destinations within Bhutan.
By combining those services with Air India’s network, the two airlines expect the interline agreement to support both tourism and business travel while providing passengers with more convenient booking and transfer options.
The partnership also strengthens Delhi’s role as a connecting gateway between Bhutan and major markets in Europe, North America and Australia.
