Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines has announced its membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a significant milestone in the airline’s continued growth and integration with the global aviation community. Drukair’s admission to IATA follows its successful registration under the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme, an internationally recognised evaluation system that assesses an airline’s operational management and control systems. IOSA registration is a mandatory requirement for IATA airline membership and must be maintained by all member airlines.
This milestone reflects Drukair’s continued commitment to maintaining internationally recognised operational and safety standards while strengthening its engagement with the wider global aviation industry. As the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Drukair plays a vital role in connecting the Kingdom with regional and international markets. IATA membership will further enable the airline to participate in global industry initiatives, strengthen collaboration with airline and travel partners, and benefit from internationally established standards and practices across the aviation sector.
The achievement also complements Drukair’s broader strategic initiatives to strengthen global connectivity and distribution through enhanced Global Distribution System (GDS) accessibility, the adoption of New Distribution Capability (NDC), the expansion of interline and codeshare partnerships, and continued route network development.
Commenting on the milestone, Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer, Drukair, said: “Drukair’s membership in IATA marks an important milestone in our journey as Bhutan’s national airline. Together with our IOSA registration, it reflects our continued commitment to internationally recognised operational and safety standards and strengthens our position within the global aviation community. We look forward to leveraging IATA’s global platform to deepen industry collaboration, enhance connectivity and continue providing safe, reliable and efficient air travel for our passengers.”