This event marks a historic milestone with the first international flight from Gelephu International Airport, officially launching the Gelephu-Kolkata-Gelephu route and establishing Gelephu as Bhutanโs newest international gateway.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Honโble Prime Minister, along with senior representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Embassy of India in Bhutan, Gelephu Mindfulness City, Druk Holding and Investments, and the Department of Tourism, together with Drukair Management and the Department of Air Transport.
The event commenced with traditional ceremonies, including Marchang and Zhudrey Phuensum, followed by a cake-cutting and ribbon-cutting to mark the official launch. Upon arrival at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, the flight received a glamorous water gun salute followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. This new route strengthens regional connectivity and opens opportunities across tourism, trade, logistics, and investment sector advancing GMCโs vision for mindful, sustainable, and future-focused development. This milestone follows Gelephu International Airportโs certification to international aviation safety and operational standards.
Beginning 12 December 2025, Drukair will operate twice-weekly commercial flights on this sector every Monday and Friday.