Our flight from Kathmandu to Paro was departing at 9:45AM, and we got to the airport at around 7:15AM. That’s obviously way early, though the night before we were told that there would be big protests in the city that could greatly impact traffic, so we didn’t want to miss our flight. As it turns out, those protests were canceled, so we ended up being way early.
To even enter the Kathmandu Airport terminal we first had to go through a passport check. The armed guard just glanced at the cover of our passports and then waved us through.
Kathmandu Airport departures hall
After that we had to go through a security check, which took a few minutes.
Kathmandu Airport security screening on departure
Once inside the terminal we walked to the very left, where the Drukair check-in counter was located.
Kathmandu Airport check-in hall
At first I was a bit worried by how long the line seemed to be, though it quickly became apparent that a big group was traveling together.
Drukair check-in Kathmandu Airport
So we got in the right line, where there was just one small group ahead of us.
Drukair check-in Kathmandu Airport
At check-in I learned that our flight would be operated by an A319, rather than the ATR turboprop that I was expecting the flight to be operated by. I suspect they had an aircraft swap between the time we booked and the flight date, or maybe I just saw it incorrectly when I booked.
I asked about the possibility of upgrading to business class, and was informed that it would cost $90 per person. There’s no way in hell that’s worth it for a 45 minute flight. However, I decided to upgrade so that I could review the cabin, and also so I could board first and hopefully get some good cabin shots. Given that I probably wouldn’t be taking another trip to Bhutan anytime soon, it seemed worthwhile.
The station manager quickly appeared to start processing our upgrades, and I asked if I could pay by credit card. I understood him as saying yes, and then it took them about 20 minutes to process the upgrade.
At that point I handed over my credit card, and he said “cash only, I said.” I guess I misunderstood him from earlier. I didn’t have that much cash, unfortunately, so went to an ATM to try and get some cash. Go figure the ATM didn’t work, and gave me an error message.
Kathmandu Airport ATM problems
I went back to the counter to explain the situation, and then he had one of the check-in agents escort me outside the terminal to another ATM. That one worked. In the end the entire upgrade process took 30 minutes, only a bit shorter than the flight itself. Again, I realize the upgrade was impractical, but I’m all about reviewing premium cabin products, and a short Drukair flight is no exception.
Eventually we had our (handwritten) boarding passes and lounge invitations in hand.
Drukair handwritten boarding pass
We followed the signage towards departures, and then saw a sign pointing towards the airport’s executive lounge. As it turns out, the lounge is past immigration but before security.
Kathmandu Airport lounge signage
After immigration we found ourselves in what seemed to be a quasi-sterile area. The lounge was just past immigration and to the right. I was also surprised to see that Thai Airways has a lounge here — I wasn’t expecting that.
Kathmandu Airport terminal
The entrance to the lounge listed all the airlines that use this lounge for their passengers.
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge entrance
There was a ground floor area with seating, though it was unstaffed. If you don’t have access to the lounge itself, I guess this would be a nice place to sit. 😉 The staircase to the lounge was to the right.
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge entrance
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge stairs
At the top of the staircase were signs showing that you can access this lounge with a Priority Pass or Lounge Key membership. So even if we weren’t in business class, any number of credit cards with lounge access could get you in. As a reminder, here are the most popular cards that come with Priority Pass™ memberships:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
American Express Platinum Card®
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge entrance
The lounge itself was by far the nicest aspect of the airport. Given how much of a mess the rest of the airport was, I was actually very surprised by how nice the lounge was. It featured plenty of couches, located in two separate areas.
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge
Between the two rooms was the self serve buffet and bar.
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge
The other side of the lounge had more seating, a partitioned off room, and then also a smoking lounge.
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge
While I’m not a smoker, I think most smokers would be pleased to see how nice the smoking room was.
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge smoking area
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge smoking area
The partitioned off room in the back was similar to the rest of the lounge, though had no one in it.
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge seating
The lounge had a bar setup with all kinds of liquor and wrapped sandwiches, fruit plates, deli plates, pastries, etc. I’m not sure what was and wasn’t complimentary. I assume there’s no charge for the food, but maybe there’s a charge for the alcohol?
Kathmandu Airport executive lounge food & drinks
Kathmandu Airport lounge liquor
Kathmandu Airport lounge food selection
Kathmandu Airport lounge food selection
Kathmandu Airport lounge food selection
Kathmandu Airport lounge food selection
Then there was also a selection of hot dishes, none of which looked especially appetizing.
Kathmandu Airport lounge buffet
Kathmandu Airport lounge buffet
Kathmandu Airport lounge buffet
Kathmandu Airport lounge buffet
Kathmandu Airport lounge buffet
Then there was cereal and a selection of tea.
Kathmandu Airport lounge buffet
Kathmandu Airport lounge tea
There was a server roaming around the lounge asking if anyone wanted anything. I ordered a cup of coffee, which was tasty.
Kathmandu Airport lounge coffee
The lounge’s bathrooms were decent enough.
Kathmandu Airport lounge bathroom
Kathmandu Airport lounge bathroom
There was also a selection of magazines and newspapers.
Kathmandu Airport lounge newspapers & magazines
One odd aspect of the lounge was that it seemed to be operated by Radisson. Based on that I assumed that Radisson also had an airport hotel and ran this as part of it, though after doing some research it doesn’t look like Radisson has a hotel at the airport. So I guess Radisson just operates the lounge independently? Odd.
We left the lounge at around 8:45AM, plenty early for our 9:45AM departure. After leaving the lounge we went through security, which was extremely thorough (which I appreciate). Each passenger had to go through the metal detector and get a pat down, and all bags went through the x-ray and also got searched. Best of all, there was no wait. Good for them.
The airport just has a few “gates” (in reality they’re not actually gates since there are no jet bridges, but rather just different doors through which you walk onto the tarmac).
Kathmandu Airport gates
The terminal at Kathmandu Airport has to be the worst one I’ve ever seen…
Kathmandu Airport gates
Like, yow…
Kathmandu Airport departures area
There was a simple shop with some snacks and drinks past security, but that’s it.
Kathmandu Airport departures area
Then there were just a couple of big rooms where you could sit and wait.
Kathmandu Airport gates
Kathmandu Airport gates
Kathmandu Airport departures monitor
At around 9:10AM we saw our Drukair A319 arrive from Paro, a bit behind schedule.
Drukair A319 arriving from Paro
Drukair A319 arriving from Paro
Passengers deplaned quickly.
Drukair passengers deplaning
The second the plane arrived, people started crowding the door trying to board, though the ground staff advised everyone to sit down.
Drukair departure gate Kathmandu Airport
This was also my first exposure to traditional Bhutanese dress, which is pretty damn awesome, in my opinion.
Drukair departure gate Kathmandu Airport
Finally at 9:25AM boarding was called.
Drukair departure gate Kathmandu Airport
Kathmandu Airport Lounge bottom line
Kathmandu Airport is easy enough to navigate — it’s pretty small, and there was no line at immigration or security. While Kathmandu Airport as such is probably the least nice airport I’ve ever been to, the lounge was decent, and is a great option for Priority Pass members.
The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: The Business Platinum® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and American Express Platinum Card® (Rates & Fees).
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