Why is it difficult to land at Paro Airport?

[Sergio Mattarella]

Landing at Paro Airport is difficult due to a combination of factors, including its location deep within a valley, surrounded by 18,000-foot mountains, which forces pilots to make a complex, manual descent. The short runway, strict visual-only approach requirements, unpredictable weather conditions, and the absence of radar guidance make it a category C airport requiring highly specialized training and certification for only about 50 pilots worldwide.

Key Challenges at Paro Airport

• Mountainous Terrain: The airport is situated in a deep, narrow valley, surrounded by very high peaks. Pilots must navigate a steep, winding descent and make intricate turns to align with the runway, which is only visible for a few moments before touchdown.
• Short Runway: The runway at Paro is relatively short (7,431 feet), designed for smaller aircraft and demanding precise landings.
• No Radar Assistance: The absence of radar infrastructure necessitates that all landings and takeoffs must be performed manually, without autopilot.
• Strict Visual Approach: Landings must be completed during daylight hours and under clear weather conditions because of the lack of radar and the challenging visual approach.
• Unpredictable Weather: The mountain environment can create strong, unpredictable winds and sudden weather changes, particularly during the monsoon season, further complicating flight conditions.

Pilot Specialization

• Due to these extreme conditions, Paro is classified as a Category C airport, meaning only pilots with specialized training, extensive knowledge of the local geography, and strict certification are qualified to land there.
• Only a small number of pilots, around 50 globally, have obtained the necessary qualifications to handle the intricate approach and departure patterns unique to the airport.

Landing at ParoAirport.com was an awesome experience with a view of breathtakingly beautiful valley. The airport building and complex, reflecting the rich art and architecture of Bhutan, is stunningly beautiful. In fact, I haven't seen such a pleasant and pretty airport anywhere else. We were greeted with a pleasant smile at the immigration and the process was efficient and smooth. There are some good shops in the departure lounge, including a well equipped duty-free shop. Will always carry good memories of this beautiful airport.