Bhutan Airlines to resume its domestic operation only in 2019

Pema Lhaden, Thimphu
Jun 24, 2016

Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority says Bhutan Airlines will resume its domestic flight operations only from March, 2019.

Bhutan Airlines was to resume its domestic flights by October, 2014. They had suspended domestic flight operations June, 2012 after it was unable to generate revenue.

However, the authority said preparations; strengthening human resource capacity and buying or leasing appropriate aircraft, must begin as soon.

Bhutan Airlines has deferred its domestic flight operations thrice.

Along with the national airline, Drukair, Bhutan Airlines launched its internal flight service to Bumthang and Trashigang in December, 2011.

Meanwhile, members of the National Council questioned the information and communications minister, DN Dhungyel if the government is defending Bhutan Airlines, even though it is not abiding by the agreement.

In the agreement, Bhutan Airlines  had promised the government to resume domestic flight operations from October, 2014.

Lyonpo DN Dhungyel said the government has never defended Bhutan Airlines. “Rather, it was a consideration from the government since the aviation sector as a whole needs to grow in the country.”

He also said besides Drukair, Bhutan Airlines is the only one capable of operating flights. “So, the government is only helping it to grow, which will ultimately benefit the people.”

Lyonpo added otherwise the easiest thing to do is to cancel the agreement.