Definition
Yongphulla Airport is a public domestic airport situated in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Bhutan. It provides scheduled passenger service primarily to Paro International Airport, the country’s main international gateway.
Overview
The airport is located near the village of Yongphulla in Trashigang District, approximately 6 km (4 mi) northeast of the district capital, Trashigang town. Originally constructed in the 1960s as a military airstrip by the Indian Air Force, Yongphulla was later upgraded for civilian use. After a period of inactivity due to runway deterioration, the facility was refurbished and reopened for commercial operations in 2011. Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, operates regular flights between Yongphulla and Paro, facilitating connectivity for the eastern Bhutanese population and supporting tourism and regional development.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Yongphulla” is derived from the local place‑name of the village where the airfield is situated. The term is rooted in the Dzongkha language, though its precise literal meaning is not widely documented in publicly available sources.
Characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA code | YON |
| ICAO code | VQTY |
| Operator | Department of Civil Aviation, Bhutan (commercial services by Druk Air) |
| Location | Yongphulla, Trashigang District, Bhutan |
| Elevation | Approximately 2,636 m (8,650 ft) above mean sea level |
| Runway | One runway, designated 12/30, asphalt surface, length about 1,640 m (5,380 ft) |
| Facilities | Minimal passenger terminal with basic amenities; no cargo handling facilities |
| Airlines and destinations | Druk Air – scheduled flights to Paro International Airport |
| Operational status | Active for scheduled domestic flights; also used for occasional charter and military operations |
Related Topics
- Paro International Airport – Bhutan’s sole international airport, serving as the hub for Druk Air’s domestic network.
- Druk Air – The national airline of Bhutan, operating scheduled services to and from Yongphulla Airport.
- Aviation in Bhutan – Overview of Bhutan’s air transport infrastructure, regulatory framework, and development initiatives.
- Trashigang District – The administrative region in eastern Bhutan served by Yongphulla Airport.
- Indian Air Force – The original builder of the airstrip during the 1960s, contributing to early aviation infrastructure in Bhutan.