Review: Drukair A319 Business Class Kathamandu – Paro (The Most Dangerous Approach In The World)

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From Kathmandu to Paro I flew Drukair, also known as Royal Bhutan Airlines, onboard an A319 in business class. The short flight was one of the most delightful of my life thanks to the breathtaking views outside the window, the warm hospitality onboard, and the unique approach into Paro.

Drukair A319 Business Class Review

Tickets to Bhutan are not cheap. With only two carriers serving the Kingdom of Bhutan (and not competing on every route), I booked my ticket for $384.24. I realize that business class was not necessary for a one-hour flight, but since this was my first flight (and perhaps only flight) on Drukair, I splurged. I booked the ticket on the Drukair website.

The drive from our hotel to the airport only took 15 minutes, but when we arrived at the airport we noticed a long line waiting to get into the passenger terminal. Like in India, itineraries and IDs are checked before you are permitted to enter the terminal (there was also a security checkpoint).

We hired a porter to help us carry bags and he pushed us through past everyone waiting in line…the only two white people. Yes, it felt awkward. 

Inside, we checked in for our flight in a dedicated business class line and were presented with boarding passes that ended up being stamped three times…

After a visit to the Executive Lounge followed by coffee, we were informed of a slight boarding delay, even though our aircraft was on the ground.

Finally, boarding commenced at 8:15 am, about 20 minutes behind schedule. Business class passengers were driven to the aircraft in a van while economy class passengers walked or could take a bus.

Boarding was via airstairs…not jetbridges in Kathmandu.

Drukair (KB) 401
Kathmandu (KTM) – Paro (PBH)
Tuesday, March 31
Depart: 08:10 AM
Arrive: 09:30 AM
Duration: 1hr, 05min (due to time change…)
Distance: 250 miles
Aircraft: Airbus A319
Seat: 2A (Business Class)

Onboard, I found a spacious business class cabin and was warmly greeted by two flight attendants.

Seat

My flight happened to be assigned the last remaining A319 that has not been retrofitted with a new interior. While I would have liked to review a new product, I loved how plush and comfortable these business seats were.

The cabin included 16 seats: four rows in a 2-2 configuration. We were informed that we were the only two business class passengers for the journey.

The seat had a generous reline as well as a footrest that flipped out and up.

Blankets and pillows were provided.

No power outlets, but there were individual air vents:

The curtain remained closed during boarding, with economy passengers asked to board from the rear, making it a very quiet time for my friend and me.

Food + Drink

Pre-departure beverages were served, a sweet fizzy drink with mint leaves beautifully presented:

A warm towel was also offered:

Breakfast was served after takeoff and pretty bad, I must concede. A sandwich and egg roll…neither tasted fresh…though at least the tablecloth was beautiful…

Even the coffee was instant. A rather deplorable meal.

IFE

There were no seatback screens or wi-fi, but we were treated to perhaps the most majestic views I have ever seen outside on airplane window…including the peak of Mount Everest.

Even Sangay, the purser, was mesmerized as she pointed out landmarks for me:

And of course our landing in Paro, which is considered to be the most dangerous approach in the world and requires extensive training, daytime light, and clear conditions to pull off. Landing requires an approach between 18,000-foot peaks through a long valley. Furthermore, the runway is only 7,431 feet long and not visible until shortly before landing.

Other IFE included a local newspaper, magazines, and a duty-free catalog. I bought a Drukair model for my son as a memento of this special journey…

Service

First, a shoutout to the entire ground staff, which was very kind.

But a very special shoutout for Sangay, who was remarkably attentive and hospitable onboard. She was delighted to tell me more about Bhutan and point out landmarks along the way. It made the flight truly a pleasure.

Lavatory

The business class lavatory included a beautiful floral arrangement and was spotless.

Arrival In PBH

We arrived on-time and pulled up between two other Drukair planes, with (privately owned) Bhutan Airlines parked further down the field.

CONCLUSION

I was hoping for a new A320neo (Drukair has a single one), but I wound up with an Airbus A319…the only one that has not been retrofitted. It really did not matter for the one-hour flight to Paro: the seat was very comfortable, with excellent padding and a legrest. While the meal was horrible, the service was excellent and the views out the window and approach into Paro were bucket-list thrills.

It was time for a few days in Bhutan!