𝐘𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

…𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒖𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Tashi Tshewang

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) has confirmed that Yonphula Domestic Airport in Trashigang will undergo significant upgrades, marking a key step in improving aviation safety and flight reliability in eastern Bhutan.
After evaluating the viability of alternative locations in the region, the ministry decided to retain Yonphula Airport and invest in enhancing its existing infrastructure. MoIT officials said the planned improvements are intended to address operational challenges caused by low-visibility conditions, which have long disrupted flight schedules in the area.
As part of the government’s 13th Five-Year Plan, the proposed upgrades include the installation of runway lighting systems and a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). These systems are expected to improve aircraft visibility and assist pilot guidance, especially during poor weather.

In addition to the infrastructure improvements, an aeronautical study has also been proposed to assess the feasibility of conducting safe aircraft operations in reduced visibility. The study will aim to ensure that the new systems are suited to Yonphula’s unique environmental and operational conditions.

The project is viewed as a strategic investment to improve connectivity in eastern Bhutan while supporting economic growth, tourism, and emergency services.

An Official from Department of Air Transport, “While the PAPI system significantly improves visual guidance, it’s important to note that it doesn’t replace instrument-based landing systems. In conditions of extremely low visibility, such as dense fog, pilots still require instrument landing systems (ILS) for safe operations. That’s correct. The PAPI is a visual aid and doesn’t provide the comprehensive guidance that ILS offers. However, given the current infrastructure and operational considerations at Yonphula Airport, the PAPI system is a practical solution to enhance safety without the complexities of installing an ILS.”

Langa Dorji, Tshogpa of Yonphula, said the development holds wider significance for the community. “The development of Yonphula Airport is more than just an infrastructure project, it is a gateway to transformative opportunities for our community. Improved air connectivity is expected to boost tourism, leading to increased demand for local products, farm stays, and cultural experiences. This, in turn, will create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in our dzongkhag.”

He added that efforts are being made to improve the tourist experience in the region. “We are also focusing on enriching the tourist experience by developing hiking trails like the Red Panda Trail, establishing museums, reviving ancient cultural sites, and upgrading local tshechus. Plans are underway to introduce a week-long flower and nature festival and designate bird-watching areas. These initiatives will not only attract visitors but also preserve our heritage and natural beauty for future generations.”

Dechen Dorji, a resident of Yonphula, shared her views on the current challenges faced by the airport. “Until now, we have occasionally seen airplanes land at Yonphula. The frequent cloud cover often prevents planes from landing, which is especially concerning during emergencies. If the government can assist in improving this situation, the benefits would be significant. Improving the airport’s reliability would not only aid in emergencies but also boost tourism, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall living standards in our community and the eastern dzongkhags.”

Another resident, Tshering Dema, a shopkeeper, highlighted the difficulties faced in transporting goods across dzongkhags due to unpredictable road conditions. “Transporting goods from one dzongkhag to another has always been a difficult task for us. The road journeys are not only long but also quite unpredictable, often affected by the challenging mountainous terrain and frequent weather-related disruptions like landslides and heavy rainfall. These delays make it hard for small business owners like myself to restock essential goods on time, which in turn affects the availability of basic items for our customers. If the airport in our region were to be upgraded, it would be a game changer. It would drastically reduce the time and effort it takes to transport supplies, allowing us to maintain a consistent inventory and provide better services to our community.”

She said that beyond business needs, a reliable airport could contribute to broader socio-economic improvements. “Beyond just business convenience, an upgraded airport would have far-reaching benefits. It could attract more tourists to our dzongkhag by improving accessibility, which in turn would give a boost to local hotels, homestays, and artisans. More visitors mean more economic activity. It could also create new jobs at the airport itself and in the sectors that grow around it. Most importantly, it would offer our youth more opportunities here at home, reducing the need to migrate elsewhere for work. In many ways, upgrading the airport is not just about better transportation. It is about raising the living standards for everyone in our region.”

The Yonphula Airport upgrade remains one of the key infrastructure projects under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, with potential to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate local economies, and improve emergency response capabilities in eastern Bhutan.