Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, Joins IATA, Strengthening Its Global Aviation Presence

Membership marks a significant milestone in the airline’s growth, reinforcing its commitment to international safety standards, global partnerships and enhanced connectivity.

Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, has announced its membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking an important milestone in the airline’s growth and its integration into the global aviation community.

The airline’s admission to IATA follows its successful registration under the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme, an internationally recognised assessment system that evaluates an airline’s operational management and control systems. IOSA registration is a mandatory requirement for IATA airline membership and must be maintained by all member airlines.

This achievement underlines Drukair’s commitment to upholding internationally recognised operational and safety standards while strengthening its engagement with the global aviation industry.

As the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Drukair plays a significant role in connecting the country with regional and international markets. Its IATA membership will provide greater opportunities to participate in global aviation initiatives, strengthen collaborations with airline and travel trade partners, and align its operations with established international industry practices.

The development also supports Drukair’s broader strategy to expand global connectivity and strengthen its distribution network. Key initiatives include enhanced accessibility through Global Distribution Systems (GDS), the adoption of New Distribution Capability (NDC), expansion of interline and codeshare partnerships, and continued development of its route network.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair, said, “Drukair’s membership in IATA marks an important milestone in our journey as Bhutan’s national airline. Together with our IOSA registration, it reflects our continued commitment to internationally recognised operational and safety standards and strengthens our position within the global aviation community.

“We look forward to leveraging IATA’s global platform to deepen industry collaboration, enhance connectivity and continue providing safe, reliable and efficient air travel for our passengers.”

Since commencing commercial operations in 1983, Drukair has played an instrumental role in connecting Bhutan with the rest of the world. With its induction into IATA, the airline aims to further strengthen international partnerships and contribute to the growth of aviation, tourism, trade and connectivity in the Kingdom of Bhutan.