Thai King and Queen Pilot Their Boeing 737 Through the Himalayas to Make History with Successful Landing at Paro Airport from Thailand to Bhutan: You Need to Know

Published on April 30, 2025

In an extraordinary showcase of aviation expertise and diplomacy, the royal couple from Thailand flew their Boeing 737-800 into Bhutan’s notoriously challenging Paro International Airport (PBH) on April 25, 2025. This exceptional event marked the start of their four-day state visit to Bhutan and is noteworthy as the monarch’s first official international journey since ascending to the throne in 2019. The landing, which occurred at one of the world’s most difficult airports, garnered global attention, highlighting both their aviation prowess and the strengthening of ties between Thailand and Bhutan.

Navigating Paro’s Challenging Terrain

Paro Airport is widely considered one of the most difficult airports in the world due to its location between the steep peaks of the Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of 7,382 feet, the runway is surrounded by towering mountains, some reaching 18,000 feet in height. The approach to the airport is narrow and treacherous, requiring pilots to navigate through tight mountain corridors with limited visibility. Adding to the complexity, the weather around Paro is notoriously unpredictable, with strong updrafts, variable winds, and rapid changes in conditions, all of which pose additional challenges for even the most seasoned pilots.

This unique and demanding environment is why Paro is considered a challenging destination for aviation professionals. As of 2024, only 50 pilots around the world are certified to land at this remote and high-altitude airstrip. To be granted this certification, pilots must undergo intensive training and demonstrate exceptional flying capabilities, making it a rare and prestigious achievement. When the Thai royal couple chose to pilot their aircraft into Paro, they were not just engaging in an impressive feat of skill; they were also participating in a historic moment for both aviation and diplomacy.

The Aviation Expertise of the Royal Couple

The decision to personally fly into Paro was driven by the monarch’s extensive military training and passion for aviation. Having served as an officer in the Royal Thai Army, the Thai King is a highly skilled pilot, qualified to operate a range of aircraft, including military jets such as the Northrop F-5 and F-16, as well as commercial aircraft like the Boeing 737-400. His advanced training in both civilian and military aviation gave him the necessary expertise to handle the complexities of landing at Paro.

The Queen, equally adept in aviation, acted as the co-pilot during the flight. Prior to her royal duties, she had a distinguished career in aviation, working as a flight attendant for JALways, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, and later with Thai Airways. Her background in aviation and her role as co-pilot during the flight highlighted her own proficiency in the cockpit. Together, the royal couple demonstrated a high level of skill and confidence in managing the aircraft through Paro’s difficult approach.

The Preparation and Skill Behind the Royal Landing

The landing at Paro was not a spontaneous decision; it was the result of careful preparation and meticulous planning. Both the King and Queen spent extensive time in training and consultation to ensure their flight would be as smooth and safe as possible. The royal couple also enlisted the assistance of a Drukair pilot—an expert familiar with the Paro approach—who provided guidance during the final stages of the flight, ensuring that every maneuver was executed with precision.

Given the complex nature of Paro’s approach, the involvement of the Drukair pilot was crucial in helping the royal couple navigate the mountain valley. While the King and Queen were at the controls, the Drukair pilot’s knowledge of local conditions proved invaluable in ensuring that the aircraft was positioned correctly for the landing. Despite these challenges, the couple’s skillful execution and calm under pressure resulted in a flawless touchdown on the runway, further solidifying their status as accomplished aviators.

A Diplomatic Visit Beyond Tradition

The successful landing of the royal aircraft was just one part of a broader diplomatic agenda that highlighted the strong and growing ties between Thailand and Bhutan. The state visit, which lasted from April 25 to April 28, was an occasion for both nations to reaffirm their shared cultural values and mutual respect. Despite their geographic distance, Thailand and Bhutan share deep Buddhist roots, which served as the foundation for the royal exchange.

Throughout their stay, the Thai King and Queen participated in numerous cultural and ceremonial events that underscored the historical connection between the two countries. The royal couple’s visit went beyond the typical formalities of state visits, as they made an effort to engage personally with Bhutanese leaders and citizens, emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations. Their active involvement in every aspect of the visit—from the historical aviation feat to the cultural exchanges—demonstrated their genuine commitment to fostering goodwill and understanding between the two royal families and their respective countries.

A Departure Marked by Warmth and Friendship

On April 28, the four-day state visit came to a close, with the Thai monarch once again taking control of the aircraft for the departure from Paro. As the aircraft lifted off from the challenging runway, the Bhutanese royal family was seen waving farewell from the tarmac, signaling the conclusion of a momentous diplomatic exchange. The farewell was more than a simple departure; it symbolized the deep respect and friendship that had been strengthened during the visit.

For the people of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, the royal visit was more than just a diplomatic engagement. The personal involvement of both royal couples, especially the Thai monarchs’ daring landing at Paro, made the visit a historic occasion that left a lasting impression on the people. The royal couple’s decision to fly themselves to Bhutan and their participation in the traditional ceremonies elevated the visit to a level of personal significance, creating an enduring bond between the two nations.

A Lasting Legacy of Friendship

As the Thai aircraft soared into the skies above the Himalayas, it marked the conclusion of a landmark state visit that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Thai-Bhutanese relations. The royal couple’s aviation feat at Paro was a symbol of the deep personal investment they had in strengthening the relationship between their two countries. By flying their own aircraft to Bhutan and participating so fully in the ceremonial aspects of the visit, they left a powerful statement about the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The visit also highlighted the important role that aviation can play in diplomacy. The royal couple’s ability to navigate the challenges of landing at Paro not only demonstrated their individual skills but also served as a metaphor for the growing connection between Thailand and Bhutan. As both countries move forward, the historical significance of this visit will continue to influence their diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations.

In the years to come, this visit will be remembered not only for its remarkable aviation achievement but also for the deep and meaningful connection it forged between Thailand and Bhutan. The friendship between the two royal families, sealed with a flight into one of the world’s most challenging airports, promises to shape the future of Thai-Bhutanese relations for generations to come.