The World's Most Dangerous Approach - Paro, Bhutan
Join me on a flight with Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) A319 from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan. Paro Airport is situated in between mountains and valleys at 7,332 ft above sea level. The approach is well considered as one of the most dangerous and most spectacular in the world. Check out the amazing landing footage.
In addition, the flight also flew across many top 10 mountains in the world include Mt Everest.
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Join us for a spectacular and thrilling, up close, documentary look at the world’s most dangerous airport landing at Paro airport in Bhutan. Make sure you watch all the way to the end of the video to catch the sped up, bird’s eye view of the fabulous and graceful twisting and turning of the aeroplane on its approach to the landing strip of Paro airport, the sole international airport of Bhutan located six kilometres from Paro in a very deep valley on the bank of the river Paro Chhu, and how the runway suddenly appears from nowhere. It takes a real aviation expert and a very steady hand to make a safe landing at Paro airport!
In this video, we fly from Kathmandu airport in Nepal to Paro airport in Bhutan using Bhutan airlines. After a brief look inside Kathmandu airport’s executive airport lounge, we board our flight and meet the chief pilot of Bhutan airlines – we’re in safe hands; only a handful of trained captains are qualified and certified to land at Paro airport and it takes a minimum of eight to ten years of intensive training to become a captain.
We examine the runway at Kathmandu airport which is very bumpy and, interestingly, has no taxiways to the main runway, necessitating the use of some tricky manoeuvres and, needless to say, keen attention paid to air traffic control.
The flight is only forty minutes long but the flight is still packed with events and sights. In the video, we see most of the top ten highest mountains in the world within the Himalayas including Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse and the tallest of all, Mount Everest. We also see the mountains of Bhutan within the Himalayan mountain range including Jomolhari and Jitchu Drake. The pictures of the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas are breath taking and we hear the captain’s opinions of why he thinks there is less snow now than there was in previous years.
We also enjoy lunch with champagne on board and we enjoy sharing a specially made cake with the Bhutan airlines crew to celebrate our travelling with them to the legendary Paro airport of Bhutan.
Paro airport is surrounded by mountains as high as 5500 metres and only has a single runway of length 1964 metres. Its single terminal was constructed in 1999 and it is a hub for two airlines: Bhutan airlines and Druk Air. Paro airport is such a difficult airport to land in that it can only be used in visual meteorological conditions and operational hours are restricted to daylight hours between sunrise and sunset.
You really won’t want to miss this video focusing on the world’s most challenging airport to land at. Let us know in the comments what you thought of the scenery and the whole experience and, as always, thanks for watching!
World Most Extreme Landing PARO BHUTAN
On the flightdeck of DRUK AIR, Royal Bhutan Airlines Airbus A319 for one of the World's Most Extreme landings at Paro Airport in Bhutan!
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Scary Plane Landing at Paro International Airport, Bhutan
Some say that Paro International Airport in a deep valley by the river Paro Chhu is among the most dangerous airports in the world. With surrounding peaks as high as 5,500 metres (18,000 ft), Paro International Airport is definitely one of the world's #most challenging airports. Our landing at this Bhutanese airport does appear scary. Watch the video and decide for yourself whether this is indeed a dangerous airport to land. Our flight from Bangkok is with Druk Air, also known as Royal Bhutan Airlines aboard an Airbus A319-100 with specially trained and certified pilots at the control.
World's Most Extreme Plane Landing and Takeoff - Paro Airport
Join me for some of the World's Most Extreme plane spotting action from Paro Airport, Bhutan. Watch how plane dive over the mountains and maneuvering to land and takeoff in Paro, Bhutan.
Paro Airport is situated in the Paro Valley between many tall mountains at 7,400 ft above sea level. Getting in and out of Paro on a plane is one of the most exciting ride out there. Currently there are 2 airlines serve Paro; Royal Bhutan Airlines (Druk Air) with A319 and ATR-72 and Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) with A319.
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Following on from our recent video detailing our awesome flight from Kathmandu airport to Paro airport, which you can see here: , join us for an extended plane spotting session at Paro airport in Bhutan from three unique viewing points in the breath-taking natural beauty of the hills and snow capped mountains surrounding the airport.
Paro airport is only served by two airlines – Royal Bhutan airlines, also known as Druk Air, and Bhutan airlines, also known as Tashi air. However, on the day of our plane spotting there is no shortage of action as ten separate landings and take offs are scheduled to and from the challenging and secluded airport.
We start very early so as not to miss any plane spotting action, at 6:30 AM, with our first scheduled sighting of an aeroplane being an arrival from Bangkok.
Particular highlights of the plane spotting session at Paro airport include views of the wonderfully curved take off trajectories of the aeroplanes, as they take immediate action to steer well clear of the dangerous hills and mountains which surround the airport which make landing there and taking off so difficult. We also see aeroplanes making use of the special turning points built in to the ends of the single runway at Paro airport, which is 6,445 feet long.
The hills next to the airport provide a lot of different stations for plane spotting. On our third and final view, we take up a special position directly opposite one of the ends of the runway and enjoy unparalleled, head on views of the backs and fronts of Royal Bhutan Airlines’ and Bhutan Airlines’ planes.
When plane spotting at Paro airport, you have to be patient, as there can be very large time delays between planes arriving or taking off and there is the added challenge of never quite knowing which side of the runway an aeroplane might use, but we’re all equipped to rise to this immense plane spotting challenge at one of the world’s most extreme airports for plane landings and take offs.
Paro Airport started life in 1968 when it was constructed by the Indian Border Roads Organisation as an air-strip intended for use by the Indian army for helicopter flying, on behalf of the Bhutan government. Bhutan’s first airline, Druk Air, was launched in 1981 and made use of the airport thereafter. Druk Air had its first scheduled, commercial flight from Paro in early 1983.
Back then, when Druk Air first started its commercial flights, Paro airport consisted just of the runway, an air traffic control building with just two rooms and a departure lounge. Druk Air had to maintain and operate the airport’s infrastructure prior to Bhutan’s Department of Civil Aviation being established in 1986.
It was in 1990 that the runway at Paro airport was lengthened by almost 2000 feet to its current length and strengthened to be able to cope with heavier aircraft. A hangar was also constructed at this time and a terminal building followed in 1999.
From humble beginnings, Paro Airport has risen to be Bhutan’s sole and well-run international airport and is a favourite with aviation enthusiasts all over the world for its unique geography, extreme hazards, dangers and challenges and its unique plane spotting opportunities amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
What did you think of what you saw? Don’t forget to leave a comment and, as always, thanks for watching.
Captain Courage : A Woman's Truimph at Paro Airport's Risky Runway | World's Most Dangerous Airport
Here is the video of Paro approach flown by Bhutan’s first female pilot/Captain from Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines. The video takes you over head Paro airport before making U-Turn for runway 15 landing.
The crew encounters rain on arrival which makes it even more challenging for the crew to land.
Beautiful landing executed by the Captain at the end.
About Paro airport:
Paro airport is considered as one of the most challenging airport in the world for the commercial jetliners to land.
The airport is located at an altitude of 7364 feet above mean sea level with runway elevation of 7362 feet and 7310 feet respectively for runway 15 and runway 33.
The runway length is 7431 feet ( 2265 meters) and width is about 30 meters which just covers the minimum runway width required by ICAO. ( one factor why Paro is considered one of the most challenging runway to land for the pilots)
Note: All Airbus aircraft are developed based on 45 m wide runways because it reflects the most frequently used runways by Airbus aircraft.
All flight and simulator certification tests linked to directional control on ground are performed on 45 m wide runways.
Flying Over the Roof of the World: Paro Airport's Nail-Biting Arrival
Paro International Airport, located in Bhutan, is renowned for its challenging approach and landing due to its unique topography surrounded by mountains. The approach to runway 15 involves a visually stunning and demanding maneuver to navigate through the Himalayan valleys. Here's a description of the landing procedure for runway 15 at Paro Airport:
1. Approach Phase: As the aircraft approaches Paro Airport, it follows a series of turns to align with the valley that leads to runway 15. The approach path takes the aircraft over picturesque landscapes and mountain peaks.
2. Visual Navigation: Since Paro Airport does not have Instrument Landing System (ILS) due to the terrain, the landing is performed visually. Pilots must rely on their training and experience to ensure a safe descent.
3. Navigating the Valley: The aircraft maneuvers through the narrow valley, surrounded by high peaks on both sides. The valley requires precise navigation to maintain the correct flight path and altitude.
4. Constant Descent: The approach to runway 15 is characterized by a continuous descent with limited go-around options. Pilots must carefully manage the aircraft's descent rate to remain on the desired glide path.
5. Turn on Short Final: As the aircraft nears the runway threshold, a sharp turn to the left after crossing “ Mr. Smith’s House ” is made to align with the runway. This challenging manoeuvre involves flying very close to the terrain while maintaining constant descent and turn to fly over the threshold.
6. Touchdown: After the turn, the aircraft aligns with runway 15 for touchdown. Due to the relatively short runway length, pilots must aim for precise touchdown points to ensure a safe landing.
7. Runway Considerations: Runway 15 at Paro Airport is 7431 feet (2265 meters) in length, which is relatively short for commercial aircraft operations. Therefore, precise control of airspeed and touchdown point is crucial.
8. Terrain Awareness: Throughout the approach and landing, pilots must maintain awareness of the surrounding terrain and quickly respond to any deviations to ensure safe clearance from obstacles.
9. Skilled Piloting: Due to the challenging nature of the approach, landing at Paro Airport requires pilots with specific training and experience. Only qualified and specially certified pilots are allowed to operate into and out of Paro Airport.
The landing at Paro Airport's runway 15 is not only a remarkable feat of aviation skill but also an awe-inspiring experience for passengers and crew alike, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
The best extreme approach video of Paro Airport, Bhutan. Please watch HD and full screen
Paro Airport (IATA: PBH, ICAO: VQPR) is the only international airport of Bhutan. The airport is located 6 km (3.7 mi) from Paro in a deep valley on the bank of the river Paro Chhu at an elevation of 7,300 ft (2,200 m).
With surrounding peaks as high as 18,000 ft (5,500 m) it is considered one of the world's most challenging airports, and as of October 2014, only 25 pilots in the world are certified to land at the airport. Flights at Paro are allowed under visual meteorological conditions only and are restricted to daylight hours from sunrise to sunset.Aircraft: Drukair Airbus 319
Landing at Paro, Bhutan | Paro International Airport
Enjoy the beautiful video of flight into Paro airport, one of the most challenging airport in the world. The flights takes you from south of the Himalayas overflying Indian Airspace with a beautiful view of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga on the left and with a view of Mt Jomolhari and Mt Gankar Puensum in Bhutan. A brief view of the town of Phuntsholing on the left side followed by descend through the valley of Taktikhoti, followed by flight over Chunzom, the confluence of Thimphu river and Paro river before entering the Paro valley.
The flight takes over Shaba and Bondey before landing Runway 33.
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
0:21 - Kanchenjunga Mountain
0:31 - Mt. Jumolhari
0:41 - Mt Gankar Puensum and adjacent mountains.
01:12 - Toorsa river with a view of Phuntsholing town in Southern Bhutan
02:06 - Dagala, Mountain with the thousand lake on the right side.
02:39 - Haa valley with Mt. Kanchenjunga in the distant left.
02:58 - About 7 miles south of Chunzom with a view of Chapcha village on the right side.
03:45 - Sight of Chunzom bridge, where Pachu and Thimphu river meets. Crew turning Auto-Pilot off for Manual flight into Paro.
04:08 - Landing gear down
04:28 - Sight of Paro Valley
05:47 - Runway in Sight
05:59 - Pangbisa College
06:35 - View of PFD and ND with good Northerly winds and aircraft descending through 8600 feet, QNH 1031
07:47 - Aircraft making final turn for landing with a 200 ft radio auto call out.
08:07 - Master Caution on short final - Predictive Wind-shear Detection fault and Aircraft over Threshold Runway 33 shortly thereafter.
08:21 - Touchdown RWY33
Pilots Eye View of World’s Most Dangerous Landing - Paro Airport, Bhutan!! | Airbus 319
Paro airport is considered as one of the most challenging airport in the world for the commercial jetliners to land.
The airport is located at an altitude of 7364 feet above mean sea level with runway elevation of 7362 feet and 7310 feet respectively for runway 15 and runway 33.
The runway length is 7431 feet ( 2265 meters) and width is about 30 meters which just covers the minimum runway width required by ICAO. ( one factor why Paro is considered one of the most challenging runway to land for the pilots)
Note: All Airbus aircraft are developed based on 45 m wide runways because it reflects the most frequently used runways by Airbus aircraft.
All flight and simulator certification tests linked to directional control on ground are performed on 45 m wide runways.
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Enjoy the short video of the landing done by the pilots of Bhutan Airlines.
TOUCH AND GO @ World's Most Challenging AIRPORT @Paro Bhutan | Base Check for the Captain to Be
Paro Airport in Bhutan is known for its challenging approach and departure procedures due to the surrounding mountainous terrain.
Conducting a base check at Paro Airport requires specialized training and certification due to the unique operating conditions.
A base check, also known as a line check, is an evaluation conducted by a qualified instructor or examiner to assess a pilot's proficiency and adherence to standard operating procedures during actual flight operations. During a base check at Paro Airport, the pilot's ability to handle the challenging approach and departure procedures specific to this airport would be evaluated.
The base check at Paro Airport would typically involve a thorough evaluation of the pilot's knowledge, skills, and decision-making abilities while operating in mountainous terrain and during challenging weather conditions. It would also assess the pilot's understanding and application of specific procedures related to Paro Airport, including the approach, landing, departure, and obstacle avoidance techniques unique to this airport.
Given the complexity and unique nature of flying at Paro Airport, pilots must undergo rigorous training and gain experience under the guidance of experienced instructors. They need to demonstrate proficiency in conducting safe and precise operations at this airport to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers, crew, and the aircraft.
Bhutan's Breathtaking Arrival: Navigating Paro Airport's Danger Zone
Paro airport is considered as one of the most challenging airport in the world for the commercial jetliners to land.
The airport is located at an altitude of 7364 feet above mean sea level with runway elevation of 7362 feet and 7310 feet respectively for runway 15 and runway 33.
The runway length is 7431 feet ( 2265 meters) and width is about 30 meters which just covers the minimum runway width required by ICAO. ( one factor why Paro is considered one of the most challenging runway to land for the pilots)
Note: All Airbus aircraft are developed based on 45 m wide runways because it reflects the most frequently used runways by Airbus aircraft.
All flight and simulator certification tests linked to directional control on ground are performed on 45 m wide runways.
Enjoy the short video of the landing done by the pilots of Bhutan Airlines.
3 ABORTED LANDINGS at PARO AIRPORT!! | Go Around in Extreme Winds | Missed Approach
Date: 9th June 2019
Location: Paro Int'l Airport, Bhutan (PBH)
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As if the pilots don't already have enough on their plate, the strong winds blowing at the Airport made things even worse. Hats off to the pilots who landed the aircraft safely and did go-arounds when in the slightest doubt!
The flights in this video are Bhutan Airlines flight B-3718 from Mumbai (BOM) to Paro (PBH) and Druk Air flight KB-203 from New Delhi (DEL) to Paro (PBH). Both flights were operated by Airbus A319, which is capable of STOL (Steep takeoff and landing), which is required to get in & climb out of the valley!
#GoAround #Paro #Aviation
Pilotsview EXTREME LANDING A319 into Paro Bhutan
JustPlanes in the Cockpit of the DRUK AIR Airbus A319 flying into one of the most extreme airports, specially for Airbus aircraft.
Pilots can't see the runway till the very end and they are turning the aircraft until they're literally above the runway!
The full flightdeck film is nearly 5 hours long and features 8 flights and is now available as an HD or DVD Download and Streaming.
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LANDING AT THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS AIRPORT (from the cockpit)
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We rode in the cockpit for one of the most dangerous airport landings in the world (Paro Airport)! Would you be as nervous as Kara?
We have flown into several of the most dangerous airports in the world, and this one was definitely the most memorable!
Looking forward to our week long tour with Breathe Bhutan!
Travel vlog 687 | Country #98/100 | #Paro, #Bhutan | Filmed December 2, 2019
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“Better Place” - (Gribbe Remix) (Instrumental Version) - spring gang
“Floating in the Sky” - Walt
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Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, we got married June 2013 and quickly caught the #travel bug! We started “travel hacking” & finally decided we wanted to travel for one year. After 2 years of saving $ and over 2 million miles and points, we sold our cars and apartment and left home January 10, 2016. We started this #travelvlog to share our experiences with friends and family, then decided we really liked vlogging and traveling! So we extended our 1 year trip to now FOUR years :) Now we have a goal of traveling to 100 countries before 2020! We are incredibly thankful to do something we love every day. :)
Airbus Aircraft Landing and Takeoff at Paro International Airport | Plane Spotting at Paro, Bhutan |
WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS LANDING ON BHUTAN AIRLINES!
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This is a comprehensive Flight Review of Bhutan Airlines.
Class: Business & Economy
Route: Bangkok (BKK) to Paro (PBH)
Plane: Airbus A319-100
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Drukair Airbus 320 Neo takeoff from Paro Airport
Drukair Airbus 320-251N, with a registration mark A5-JKW dedicated to His Majesty King of Bhutan is the first A320 aircraft purchased by Drukair.
The aircraft can be seen taking off from Runway 33 on 30th December 2021, one day after Bhutan received its heaviest snowfall in decades.
BEAUTIFUL PARO AIRPORT: Flying Bhutan Airlines from Paro
Welcome to Beautiful Bhutan! Today we are flying the other national Bhutan carrier, Bhutan Airlines! Let me know your thoughts below
0:00 About Bhutan
1:32 Paro Airport
3:16 Bhutan Airlines Lounge
6:47 Boarding
7:46 The Seat
11:09 Pushback
11:50 Paro Departure
15:14 In Flight Entertainment
16:47 Meal Service
17:28 CCU Arrival
19:22 Final Thoughts
World’s Dangerous airport - Paro, Bhutan | Takeoff in Heavy Rain | A319
Extreme Landing at Paro International Airport, Bhutan.
Paro International airport is one of the difficult airport to make landing approach in the world, which is located on the bank of Paro Chho River river in a deep valley of Paro.
#LandingatParoAirport #ParoAirportBhutan #パロ空港ブータン