Drukair is the official Airline of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and one of those airlines that you want to try, just to say, "I've flown with Drukair" because unless you go to Bhutan you won't be travelling with them anywhere any soon. And going to Bhutan is utterly cool, and utterly expensive not because of the flights.They usually travel from Bangkok or Singapore to Paro.
The
flight was comfortable enough, in an average plane, not the latest model but good enough, although not the best if you have long legs! The flight attendants
were really lovely and attentive, all dressed in the national costume. The food was good, sort of international standard meals, nothing Bhutanese but once you've been in Bhutan you understand that you might not be ready for their national dishes! There was no entertainment
program, something I always miss. but this was a short flight from Bangkok to Paro via Dhaka and the views were quite spectacular when approaching Paro.
I
was utterly disappointed when I saw the products sold in the duty-free
magazine as they were all corporate brands, your know, Gucci, Chanel, Dior that sort of thing, the same you find in any other
airline. It is difficult to understand why an airline that represents a country like this, that sells another way of life, is providing a on-flight shopping experience that has nothing Bhutanese in it! The Bhutanese awesome whiskies,
colourful traditional textiles and handicrafts, traditional books or music were nowhere to be seen.
Arriving in the airport of Paro is an experience itself. The landing
of the plane is considered one of the most difficult and dangerous in the world,
because of the altitude, surrounding mountains and dramatic
and unexpected weather variations (this is the Himalayas, mind you). Yet, their pilots
are master navigators (an Aussie pilot said) and they do it with great
easiness every single day! If this was not enough, the airport of Paro is just a cute tiny
traditional building and another experience to go through.
In the inbound flight we were lucky enough to fly with one of the Royal Princes and his entourage. They were all dressed in their traditional national costume! The Prince was in First Class, but the entourage was in Economy Class, with us the rest of mortals. How cool! All the foreign travellers were very excited. The red carpet was spread for them on arrival! Not for me, sigh.
After the stop in Dhaka during the inbound flight I got a couple of Bangladeshi males seating next to me. One of them made my flight to Paro really unpleasant. A classic 'douche'. I commented on the situation with one of the flight attendants after landing, and she said that I should have called one of them and they would have moved me or him. But the plain was full! And can you imagine the situation and the scene! I think they should seat all Bangladeshi males flying without their wives next to other males and the problem would be solved. Unfortunately, men in certain parts of the world cannot come to treat Western women with respect.
I had a pleasant flight with Drukair. Their prices are not too high, but there is no option, option A or option A. I thought the flight with Drukair was part of the experience I got in this amazing country. Yet, I expected something more Royal, like in the upholstery of the seats, and the service on board.
