Why only 50 pilots are qualified to land at Bhutan’s notorious Paro Airport?

World News: Paro International Airport in Bhutan is notorious for being one of the world’s most challenging airstrips. Tucked between towering 18,000-foot Himalayan peaks and local residential areas, pilots must skillfully navigate through a treacherous approach to land safely. The airport's short 7,431-foot runway is only accessible to smaller aircraft, and radar guidance is not available, making the landing process even more demanding.

Out of thousands of pilots worldwide, only about 50 possess the specialized Category C qualifications required to land at Paro. These elite aviators undergo intense area competence and route training, ensuring they can handle the unique challenges of this location. "It is challenging on the skill of the pilot, but it's not dangerous," said Captain Chimi Dorji of Bhutan's Druk Air. His local knowledge of the terrain and weather conditions is essential in ensuring safe landings.

Watch this skilled pilot maneuver between mountains to land the Airbus A319-100 at one of the most dangerous airports in the world, Paro Airport, Bhutan. pic.twitter.com/JjqeDFpFTH

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Navigating thin air and unpredictable weather

With Paro sitting at an elevation of 7,382 feet above sea level, the thinner air increases ground speed, adding to the complexity of landing. "Your true airspeed remains the same, but your ground speed increases due to the thinner air," explained Dorji. Additionally, pilots avoid flying after noon when thermal winds and anabatic/katabatic winds can make the already dangerous approach even more precarious.

Weather plays a critical role in flight safety at Paro. The monsoon season brings torrential rain and hailstorms, while unpredictable winds from China create hazardous flying conditions. As a precaution, no night flights are allowed due to the area's radar limitations.