Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair, has decided against operating five proposed charter flights connecting Paro and Tel Aviv, citing safety and security concerns following an internal assessment of the planned operations.
The flights, scheduled for February and March 2027, would have established a direct air connection between Bhutan and Israel, catering primarily to Israeli tourists visiting the Himalayan kingdom.
The proposal had attracted attention after Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post reported on October 4 that five direct charter services were being planned between Tel Aviv and Paro. The flights were reportedly being arranged by Israeli travel company Caminos, which intended to offer travel packages to Israeli tourists.
However, Drukair has since confirmed that the proposed services will not materialise.
According to the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Drukair had received a request to operate five charter flights during the first quarter of 2027, with each flight expected to accommodate approximately 110 passengers.
The airline subsequently conducted its routine evaluation of the proposal, examining operational safety, security considerations and quality requirements. Following the assessment, Drukair concluded that proceeding with the flights would not be advisable under the circumstances.
The decision was communicated to the charter organiser, effectively bringing the proposed operation to a halt.
Drukair also sought to clarify its role in the arrangement, stating that the responsibility for promoting the travel packages and selling tickets to individual passengers rested entirely with the Israeli tour operator. The airline itself had not participated in ticket sales or direct marketing activities associated with the proposed route.
The carrier further emphasised that the possibility of introducing regular commercial services between Bhutan and Israel remains subject to the establishment of a formal Air Service Agreement between the two countries.
In the absence of such an agreement, Drukair has no plans to launch scheduled passenger flights connecting Tel Aviv and Paro.
The airline maintained that its decision was consistent with established operational procedures, under which all proposed charter services undergo safety, security and quality assessments before receiving approval.
While the proposed flights would have offered Israeli travellers a direct route to Bhutan, the airline’s decision means that the planned charter connection will not be available in early 2027.
Passengers who had already made reservations or were considering purchasing travel packages associated with the proposed services have been advised to contact the respective travel organiser directly for information regarding booking arrangements and their current status.
The cancellation brings an end to the immediate proposal for direct charter connectivity between the two destinations, with no alternative schedule announced.
