A Momentous Occasion for Drukair, as it takes its Operations South of the Equator

October 30^th 2019

The national carrier of Bhutan will now venture into a long-term charter operation between Singapore and Dili, East Timor, in an effort to increase aircraft utilization. This is the first time Drukair will be crossing the equator for commercial operations.

Challenged by the operating conditions out of Paro International Airport’s difficult terrain and geographical location, Drukair has been constantly exploring opportunities to increase aircraft utilization. Some of these avenues are through charters and lease during night halts at less restricted airports like Bangkok and Singapore.

These charter operations between Singapore and Dili, undertaken by Air Timor, a company in East Timor, is initially for a period of one year, with two charters a week, operational after the arrival of our schedule flights to Singapore.

Drukair Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tandi Wangchuk said: “Drukair has been exploring charter opportunities during our night halts for a long time and hope this venture ushers more such opportunities in the future. The more efficiently an aircraft is utilized, the operational cost reduces for an airline. Further it gives immense pride that a small airline in the Himalayas is crossing the equator for the first time.” The inaugural flight is on the 31^st October 2019.

Tentative Flight Schedule

Effective 31^st October 2019

*All in local times.

About East Timor:

East Timor or Timor-Leste is one of the newest countries in Asia located between Indonesian West Timor and Papua. Dili, which is located on the country’s north coast, is the capital city of East Timor. Known as one of the world's youngest countries: after a long struggle, it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and is now a tourist destination for diving and adventure. The size of the country is about 15,007km².

Population: 1.296 million (2017) World Bank

DrukairMedia Relations:

Jamyang Choden

Contact: +975 17855373

E-mail: jamyang.choden@drukair.com.bt