“Flying Over the Roof of the World: Paro Airport’s Nail-Biting Arrival“

Paro International Airport, located in Bhutan, is renowned for its challenging approach and landing due to its unique topography surrounded by mountains. The approach to runway 15 involves a visually stunning and demanding maneuver to navigate through the Himalayan valleys. Here’s a description of the landing procedure for runway 15 at Paro Airport: 1. Approach Phase: As the aircraft approaches Paro Airport, it follows a series of turns to align with the valley that leads to runway 15. The approach path takes the aircraft over picturesque landscapes and mountain peaks. 2. Visual Navigation: Since Paro Airport does not have Instrument Landing System (ILS) due to the terrain, the landing is performed visually. Pilots must rely on their training and experience to ensure a safe descent. 3. Navigating the Valley: The aircraft maneuvers through the narrow valley, surrounded by high peaks on both sides. The valley requires precise navigation to maintain the correct flight path and altitude.