Infrastructure (Civil Aviation)

BASIC SITUATION

Bhutan is dependent on a single airport situated at Paro. Since the start of air transport services in March 1983, Paro airport has been restricted to handling international flights operated by the national airline Druk Air. AT present, Druk Air operates services to and from Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu, Bangkok and Dhakha, with two 80 seater BAe-146 aircrafts. Druk Air's operations are governed and regulated by the Civil Aviation Division, which was established in January 1986

For several moths of the year, dense and often unpredictable cloud cover reduce visibility over Paro to the point where it is necessary for Druk Air to postpone flights or, in the absence of an alternative airport in Bhutan, to abort landing at Paro and land overnight instead at Calcutta.

The improvement of transport facilities is crucial for a land-locked country like Bhutan. The limited road network and extremely difficult terrain, compel travel by road from east to west taking several days. The need for further development of Bhutan's air transport in infrastructure is, therefore, important for both domestic and international services.

Structure

Air transport is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Division, with its head office and operations office at Thimphu. The Division consists of four technical sections : Flight Operations, Signals, Air-worthiness and Aerodrome.

Constraints

The absence of a Civil Aviation Master plan restricts the Division's ability to plan future demands for air services. A lack of trained air crew and ground staff persists, but the position has improved during 7FYP through the provision of technical assistance.

Objectives for the 7FYP

The objectives were to assess aviation needs, study the feasibility of establishing adequate infrastructure for the operation of additional international flights, introduction of domestic air services, and ensure the highest operational and safety standards of the air services specifically :
- Ensure planned development of civil aviation infrastructure such as airports, air traffic control system, navigation and communications, aviation security and human resources development;
- Formulate relevant statutes, rules and regulations essential for the operation of airlines based on recommended practices of the ICAO and execute bilateral agreements with other countries to facilitate the establishment of air linkages;
- Prepare a Civil Aviation Master Plan for the planned development of civil aviation in Bhutan.

Strategies land Achievements

The strategy for expansion of civil aviation in Bhutan included the rehabilitation of the existing facilities at Pro airport and continuous development of human resources.

The Development of Paro Airport was implemented with technical and financial assistance of the Government of India, an estimated cost of Nu. 127.269 million, which comprised a new terminal building, control tower, VIP lounge, cargo complex, sit development and beautification works.

During 6FYP and 7FYP, the Civil Aviation Division also received technical assistance from the UNDP, mainly for the recruitment of international experts to streamline the functioning of the Division, including formulation of statues, rules and regulations, development of human resources, and purchase of communication/navigation equipments (DVOR/DME). These have greatly contributed to the safe and efficient operation of the international air service.

In addition to other minor works at the airport, such as upgrading the Chang Road, activities of 7FYP included:
- Consultancy service for Paro Airport Maintenance & Emergency Planing Programme, a study undertaken by the Swedish Government at an estimated cost of US $ 101,000.
- Aerodrome site selection and evaluation, an aid to the identification of a suitable site for the construction of a second international airport, undertaken by the UNDP with Norwegian Government Trust Funds at an estimated cost of $60,900: two Air Traffic Service related consultants were also fielded for two months at a cost of $86,800.

Objectives and Strategies of 8FYP

The Civil Aviation Division will continue to place emphasis on the improvement and upgrading of the legal and regulatory provisions governing the operation of Druk Air Corporation, taking into account the international obligations and standards and recommended practices laid down by ICAO. Airport security will also be given high priority. While continuing to expand and improve the quality of international air services, the introduction of domestic air services will be thoroughly explored.

Objectives 

- Guide and regulate the operation of airlines, with due consideration to the International Conventions and the guidelines laid down by ICAO;
- Maintain the airport infrastructure at Paro, including the establishment of an appropriate system of airport security for safe and reliable operation of the airline;
- Build required institutional capabilities within the Division;
- Explore the feasibility of introducing domestic air services.

Strategies

- Building of institutional capabilities through recruitment and training of suitable, qualified staff;
- Establishment of appropriate procedures and systems for the maintenance of airport infrastructure;
- Preparation of a Civil Aviation Master Plan.

PROGRAMMES FOR THE 8FYP

Summary of programme for the development of civil aviation

Nu. Million

Financial and Manpower Requirement

PROJECT MOC : CIVIL AVIATION MASTER PLAN   

Project summary :

1. Location : Nationwide

2. Sector : Civil Aviation (Air Transportation)

3. Executing Agency : Ministry of Communications

4. Implementing Agency : Civil Aviation Division

5. Estimated cost:
Recurrent : Nu. 0.00 million
Capital: Nu. 6.125 million.
Total: Nu 6.125 million

6. Funds Secured : Nu. 0.00 million

7. Financing Gap: Nu. 6.125 million

8. External finance reqd.: Nu. 6.125 million.

9. Status : New project

10. Documents available: Programme Support Document,

Project Objectives

Formulate a comprehensive Civil Aviation Master Plan to help and guide the planned development of civil aviation activities in the country, including those relating to Druk Air.

Project Description

Civil Aviation activities, for the last ten years or so have concentrated on the only international airport at Paro. In order, therefore, to expand the develop air transportation in the country, it has been considered necessary to formulate a Civil Aviation Master Plan to help guide the planned development of this sub-sector. In fact, this activity was actually planned for the 7FYP but could not be taken up because of difficulty in finding a donor. This document is still considered necessary, as further civil aviation activities will have to take place in a planned manner.

Paro is the only airport in the country providing international flights. Operation of air services to and from Paro are often handicapped during bad weather conditions. In order to boost the international air services as well as start the operation of domestic air services, there is a need to explore alternative airport sites which could be used for such purpose.

The formulation of Master Plan is expected to indicate relative priorities for investment planning to ensure planned and orderly growth of the air transportation sub-sector. This document, covering a period of 15-20 years, will attempt to set forth a realistic programme for the sector with emphasis on policies, legislation, additional infrastructure, requirement of equipment, organization, man-power and training etc. Above all, it should adequately address the issue regarding the possibility of introducing domestic air services, clearly indicating the merits and demerits of the available options.

Project Impact 

The timely formulation of this document will facilitate the planned development of air transportation sector without having to resort to ad hoc studies, plans and programmes.

Project Management

The Master Plan is expected to be prepared by international professionals following a detailed review and study of the civil aviation sector, potential aerodrome sites and existing helipads, determining the availability of land, evaluating all factors affecting the operation of air services etc.