Paro International Airport (VQPR)
Large airport · Paro, Paro District, Bhutan
Airport data
| Name | Paro International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | VQPR |
| IATA | PBH |
| Elevation | 7,364 ft (2245 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 27°24'12" E 89°25'29" 27.40320, 89.42460 |
| Location | Paro, Paro District, Bhutan |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/33 | 7,431 ft (2265 m) | 98 ft | ASP | Yes |
Paro International Airport at a glance
Paro International Airport is a large airport in Paro, Paro District, Bhutan, known to airline systems as PBH. The field elevation of 7,364 ft (2245 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at VQPR are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
The single runway, 15/33, offers 7,431 ft (2265 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 15 points roughly 150° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for VQPR shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Paro International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Hashimara Air Force Station | VEHX | 79 km (43 NM) |
| Gelephu Airport | VQGP | 118 km (64 NM) |
| Bagdogra Airport | VEBD | 135 km (73 NM) |
| Taplejung Airport | VNTJ | 171 km (92 NM) |
| Saidpur Airport | VGSD | 190 km (103 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Paro International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 7,364 ft field elevation of Paro International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 2 airports and airfields we list for Bhutan — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Paro International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Paro International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Paro International Airport is VQPR, and its IATA code is PBH. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Paro International Airport above sea level?
Paro International Airport sits at an elevation of 7,364 feet (2245 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Paro International Airport located?
The airport lies at 27.4032, 89.4246 — in Paro, Paro District, Bhutan, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Hashimara Air Force Station, about 79 km away.
Does VQPR publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for VQPR appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Paro International Airport?
Paro International Airport has one runway. The longest, 15/33, measures 7,431 ft (2265 m) with a ASP surface.