Bhutan: Domestic Air Services Delayed to December as November Considered 'Black Month'

THIMPHU (NNN-KUENSEL) -- With November being an inauspicious or “black month”, the much-awaited Bhutan domestic air services will be delayed until December.

With its second airstrip at Batpalathang, Bumthang nearly complete, the department of civil aviation (DCA) had initially proposed to both national airline, Drukair, and Private Tashi Air, that they commence domestic operations on Nov 11.

But with November being declared an inauspicious time to begin any new activities, both airlines have instead notified DCA that their domestic operations will begin only after November.

Drukair CEO, Tandin Jamso, said, while the inauspiciousness of November is a factor for the airline’s reluctance, it is also technically unable to do so. The airline is awaiting a team from the manufacturing company of its twin propeller aircraft to conduct test flights.

DCA has yet to approve Drukair from using its ATR 42-500 on domestic airstrips until test flights prove it safe to operate domestically.

Tandin Jamso said the airline had encountered many problems after beginning a new service during a previous inauspicious month. In June, Drukair introduced its ATR 42-500. In the following months, the aircraft suffered several groundings due to technical problems. The airline also suffered an unusual bird strike that grounded one of its airbus jets.

Private airline, Tashi Air, has also once again deferred the arrival of its first aircraft to Nov 27, which falls after the inauspicious timing. The airline’s CEO, David Young, said the move is to avoid the inauspicious period.

David Young said Tashi Air was planning to commence domestic operations between Dec 1 and 17. He said Tashi Air was considering commencing operations on Dec 17, which is the National Day.

DCA director general, Phala Dorji, said the inauspiciousness could have been countered by performing necessary rimdros, but that both airlines have chosen otherwise.

Meanwhile, the country’s second domestic airstrip is scheduled to be completed by the first week of November. -- NNN-KUENSEL