Landing at the World's Most Dangerous Airport - Paro!

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.

[fyrephiter]

That was crazy. The whole video, I kept searching for the runway. That was impressive flying right there. That house on the right, on the hill right before the runway must be able to see the passengers in the plane as it goes by, because it appeared as if it was next to it.

[slowtony]

Takes one's breath away. The slow descent weaving through that valley is military flying but in an airliner. The bank so close to that hill at the end of the runway before straightening and immediately dropping to landing hight is bush pilot skill, again in an airliner. No wonder the pilot of the A319 taking off in the July video blasts up and out of that valley as steeply as he can go. Respect to the captain!

[mickeymcnaughton]

Now that's what I really call a notable "reverse thrust" application. Thank you, Bhutan Airlines (as well as both the pilots and the observers on the flight deck that day) for this clip. Absolutely an eye opener for many, I'm sure.

[pilot]

As a pilot myself, with over 40 years experience... that approach takes some B_lls in an Airbus or any large aircraft. Great Job.

[ashtonsodope]

Notice how relax the captain is? It’s a piece of cake for him!

[BrianAz]

Holy crap! The ultimate circle to land experience. Fantastic piloting, serious skills. Can you imagine what kind of view the locals get as that bird is making that last bank to final? So cool

[nerdvananorth]

Wow...just wow! So little time to adjust for that landing after that bank! Incredible poise and skill!

[MiloFlying]

One of the most incredible landings I’ve ever seen👏

[AdithyanKNair]

the way he alligned the aircraft to the runway is amazing, great skills. effortless turning

[emilagter]

There are many claims about "most difficult landings" but this one is for sure very challenging.
Thanks for sharing

[SnaxDesAvions]

I tried that in X-Plane, this is absolutely scary, even in a slow DC-3. You guys rock !

[tashawnsnardon]

This is literally watching a master at work. MAD RESPECT!

[vtrmcs]

I thought he was doing a very good job, then the plane starts insulting him.

[Risankaan]

The view from those houses as the aircraft does those last second manoeuvres must be awe-inspiring

[siliconfreak]

Incredibly flown Captain. Even the FO was dumbstruck. Great knowledge of aircraft handling and done with so much confidence. I applaud you, and if I ever get a chance to visit Bhutan, I will see who's flying me. How many of these did you have to do simulated prior to qualifying?

[katebc]

I kept thinking…where is the runway? Holding my breath. What a talented Captain. Amazing.

[JorgeFernandez-sxel]

That very last hill just ahead of the runway prevents from a straighter base to final turn. Beautiful maneuver in such tight distances.

[omkarjoshi]

Pilots Are EXTRAORDINARILY TRAINED AND TALENTED AS WELL ...Great skills. Woooow...

[kelvinknk]

Awesome! It’s so extraordinary approach that seems it’s a simulator. Well done pilots!

[larryruzich]

Flew into here a coupe years ago. The landing is wild, but the real treat is flying through the HImalayas pass Mount Everest on the way from Kathmandu. Beautiful country and beautiful people!