Air India and Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines have launched an interline partnership allowing passengers to book single-ticket journeys across both networks. The alliance facilitates seamless baggage transfers and connects domestic destinations in Bhutan with Air India’s extensive domestic routes and global long-haul network via Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
MUMBAI / NEW DELHI — Tata Group-owned flag carrier Air India announced a comprehensive bilateral interline partnership with Bhutan’s state carrier, Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The commercial alliance allows passengers from both airlines to book integrated itineraries on a single ticket, access coordinated baggage check-through to final destinations, and leverage competitive through-fares between India, Bhutan, and prominent international gateways across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific.
Expanding Global and Domestic Flight Access
Under the newly executed agreement, Air India passengers travelling across the carrier’s domestic and international route network can book seamless connections to Paro International Airport (PBH) in Bhutan via Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. From Paro, travellers can connect directly onto Drukair’s scheduled domestic air network, unlocking access to interior Bhutanese destinations including Bumthang (BUT), Gelephu (GLU), and Yonphula (YON).
Reciprocally, Drukair customers flying out of Bhutan gain streamlined access through primary Indian transit hubs in Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati onto Air India’s domestic destinations, such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi. Furthermore, the arrangement establishes direct air bridges between Bhutan and Air India's long-haul international destinations, including London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, New York (JFK), Newark, San Francisco, Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Melbourne, Sydney, and Colombo.
Strategic Significance for SAARC Regional Connectivity
The bilateral interline pact solidifies Air India's strategic footprint across the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) territory. With the addition of Drukair's network, Air India now offers seamless commercial flight connectivity to nearly all nations in the SAARC bloc—which encompasses India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, and Pakistan—via its own scheduled flights or operational partner carriers.
The partnership eliminates the logistical friction of purchasing separate tickets, re-checking baggage at intermediate transit points, and clearing duplicate security screenings during layovers. Passengers benefit from unified baggage allowances, automated through-check-in services, and synchronized passenger transfers through Air India's primary hub at Delhi.
Tourism, Business, and Cross-Border Economic Impact
The alliance between the two national carriers is expected to drive tangible economic benefits for tourism, business trade, and international diplomacy across the region:
International Tourism: Global tourists from Europe, North America, and Australia can book single-itinerary tickets to explore Bhutan's cultural sites and trekking circuits via Delhi.
Business Travel: Corporate executives and trade delegations traveling between Indian commercial hubs and Bhutan gain predictable transit schedules and shorter transfer windows.
Regional Integration: The agreement deepens economic and infrastructural linkages between New Delhi and Thimphu, expanding regional aviation capacity in the eastern sub-Himalayan corridor.
Official Sources
According to official commercial statements released by Air India Corporate Communications and regulatory updates published in collaboration with Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines, the interline agreement takes operational effect immediately across global distribution systems (GDS) and direct booking portals. Operational scheduling adheres to bilateral civil aviation safety protocols maintained by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA India) and the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority.
Quote Section
"Our partnership with Drukair reinforces our commitment to strengthening connectivity across the SAARC region, which we consider our extended home market. 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," stated Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India.
"This partnership marks a significant milestone for Drukair as we continue to strengthen our global connectivity and enhance the travel experience for our passengers. 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," stated Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair.
Why It Matters
Bilateral airline agreements are vital to expanding international tourism and trade corridors without the capital-intensive requirement of deploying dedicated aircraft on thin routes. For Air India, the partnership completes regional network coverage across South Asia. For Bhutan, connecting its flag carrier to Air India’s global long-haul network broadens international tourist access to the kingdom while simplifying overseas travel for Bhutanese citizens.
Key Facts at a Glance
Partnership Type: Bilateral interline ticketing and baggage transfer agreement.
Participating Airlines: Air India (Tata Group) and Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines.
Transit Hubs: Delhi (DEL), Kolkata (CCU), and Guwahati (GAU).
Bhutanese Destinations Connected: Paro (PBH), Bumthang (BUT), Gelephu (GLU), and Yonphula (YON).
International Scope: Connects Bhutan to major long-haul destinations across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the Air India and Drukair interline partnership offer?
The agreement allows travelers to book flights on both Air India and Drukair through a single ticket, with coordinated baggage check-through to their final destination and through-fares.
Which Indian airports act as transfer gateways for Bhutan flights?
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati serve as key transfer hubs.
Which destinations in Bhutan can Air India passengers access?
Passengers can fly to Paro International Airport and take onward connecting Drukair flights to domestic destinations including Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula.
Can Drukair passengers access Air India's long-haul international flights?
Yes. Drukair travelers can connect via Delhi to Air India's international flights serving London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, and other global destinations.
Sources: Air India Official Media Centre, Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines Official Portal, and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
