Mumbai: Bhutan’s Paro International Airport (PBH) is renowned for its breathtaking views but equally notorious for its extreme landing difficulty. Only 50 qualified pilots worldwide have mastered the descent into this high-risk airport, surrounded by towering peaks as high as 17,500 feet. The approach to Paro is so complex that it requires a unique blend of skill, precision, and local knowledge.
Despite the challenges, Captain Chimi Dorji, one of Bhutan’s most experienced pilots with over 25 years at Druk Air, told CNN Travel, Paro is “difficult, but not dangerous”. The real challenge comes from the airport’s Category C status, meaning it requires special training. This includes area competence training, where pilots learn the intricacies of the local geography and climate to safely navigate the mountainous terrain.
The weather at Paro plays a critical role, with most flights scheduled before noon when conditions are typically calm. Dorji explains that early morning to mid-afternoon is ideal for safe landings, as by the afternoon, winds intensify and rising temperatures make it more difficult to control the aircraft.
Why night flights are not possible at Paro?
Unlike most airports, night flights are not possible at Paro due to the absence of radar systems on the aircraft. The monsoon season further complicates matters, with rain and unpredictable wind patterns often grounding flights for days. These challenges make Paro not only a test of skill but also a test of decision-making for pilots, who must know when it’s safe not to fly.
A large part of the difficulty lies in the thin air at higher altitudes, which makes planes glide faster, reducing the ability to control them precisely. Despite the challenges, pilots like Captain Dorji have successfully landed thousands of flights here, thanks to rigorous training and their understanding of the environment.
For those lucky enough to be aboard one of these rare flights, the view upon descent is nothing short of spectacular, with lush, green valleys set against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas.
With towering peaks and unpredictable weather, Bhutan’s Paro International Airport is one of the world’s toughest places to land. Only 50 specially trained pilots are qualified to master this high-stakes descent. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
