Until 23 August 2010 Drukair was the only airline flying into Bhutan
The airline is a lifeline for the Bhutanese people,connecting Bhutan with the outside world and supporting emerging inbound tourism and export markets.Drukair has recently been criticised for its unreliability — particularly by the Bhutanese tourism industry which is still in its infancy and regards the very company upon which it relies as its biggest threat
In October 2009, the Bhutanese government planned construction works of an airstrip in Yongphulla. The airstrip, which was expected to be 3,900 feet (1,200 m) in length and operational by March 2010, would allow for service by small aircraft in the 15–16 seat category.[73] The project was being financed with Nu. 34 million from the budget which was previously allocated to the development of domestic helicopter services. The airstrip would only be operational during the morning hours due to high winds in the afternoon, making safe operations risky.[74]
Drukair is conducting a feasibility study into operating flights to the airstrip from Paro, as well as, two others which are under construction at Bathpalathang and Gelephu