An Airport Considered One of the Most Dangerous in the World Only Allows Landings by Highly Trained Pilots — Currently, Only 50 Professionals Are Authorized to Operate on This Challenging Runway

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 18/04/2025 at 14:59

Updated on 18/04/2025 at 15:01

Foto: WIKIPEDIA

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Not Every Pilot Can Land at This Airport. Considered One of the Most Dangerous in the World, It Is Located in a Mountainous Region, with Strong Winds and a Short Runway That Requires Extremely Precise Maneuvers. As a Result, Only 50 Pilots in the World Have the Training and Certification Required to Operate Safely in This Challenging Location.

In Bhutan, landing a plane can be such a challenging task that only a small group of pilots is qualified to do so. The Paro International Airport, located in a valley surrounded by mountains, is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. And it is for good reason.

Mountains, Weather, and Short Runway Complicate the Landing

The runway of the airport is only 2,265 km long. It is situated 2,230 meters above sea level, surrounded by steep mountains and deep valleys.

This combination requires absolute precision. Aircraft must follow complex maneuvers to align with the runway. There is no radar to assist. Everything must be done manually, requiring maximum attention from the pilots.

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Few Flights, Rare Pilots

Due to the extreme challenges, only about 50 pilots worldwide are qualified to land in Paro.

The training is specific and requires a high level of skill. The airport is not a major hub. Only two airlines operate at the site: Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines.

Pilots working there must deal with several factors at the same time. Without radar, with natural obstacles around, and unstable weather conditions, each flight requires maximum concentration. Any mistake can have serious consequences.

A Breathtaking Experience — Literally

Despite the risks, Paro also offers some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. Those who venture to fly there are rewarded with unique views of the Himalayas. However, it takes courage — both for the pilot and for the passengers.

The Paro International Airport remains one of the few places in the world where technology and human skill must work in perfect harmony. And, it seems, this scenario is not likely to change anytime soon.

An Airport Considered One of the Most Dangerous in the World Only Allows Landings by Highly Trained Pilots — Currently, Only 50 Professionals Are Authorized to Operate on This Challenging Runway

Mountains, Weather, and Short Runway Complicate the Landing

Few Flights, Rare Pilots

A Breathtaking Experience — Literally

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An Airport Considered One of the Most Dangerous in the World Only Allows Landings by Highly Trained Pilots — Currently, Only 50 Professionals Are Authorized to Operate on This Challenging Runway

Mountains, Weather, and Short Runway Complicate the Landing

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Norway is drilling 27 kilometers of rock 392 meters below the bottom of a fjord to build the world’s largest and deepest underwater road tunnel — when completed, a 21-hour journey will be reduced to 10.

An astronaut spent 340 days in space while his twin brother stayed on Earth, and NASA found a “rejuvenating” effect, genes, microbiome, cognition, and immune system that revealed the biological cost of living outside the planet.

Chinese engineers begin filling a 217-meter dam at an altitude of 3,000 meters and prepare a 2,240 MW hydroelectric power plant to integrate hydropower, solar, and wind energy in the upper Jinsha.

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