Economic prospects of air services in Bhutan
Countries in the Himalayan range have greater advantage to use air services as means of transportation against land transport, thanks to mighty hills and deep valleys. The combined cost for construction of roads and other infrastructure to reach villages would easily equal to investment in air services.
No exception, air services are deadly. Nepal has lost hundreds of people and dozens of flights due to bad weather. Despite that, air services in Nepal, Kasmir, Arunchal Pradesh and other regions along Himalayan range have greatly benefited from air services. Bhutan can do this.
Over half a year, the newly built roads in Bhutan turn out to be obstruction to travellers. This is due to poor land formation, absence of quality materials for road works and irresponsibility of the contractors while carrying out works. It is open secret that construction of road along the slopes of hills is not easy. Further, the primary issue is making them resistant to worst weather. Unfortunately, none of the roads constructed in the region have met that target. This is loss of money and human resources.
After a long wait, Bhutan is making final preparation to start domestic flight. This will add some relief to the burdened land transport. Alternatively, environmentalists might engaged in promoting air services in hope that no more roads will be proposed that run through national parks and conservation areas. The new government had planned the domestic air services last year. It is expect to come a year later.
In longer run, Bhutan is investing in stable service. It is giving respect to time. For people from Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar or Samtse, who used to spend at least half a week to travel to the capital, might do this in an hour’s time. This will bring in more effectiveness in works people do. The bureaucrats, politicians and business leaders will have more time to invest on their ventures. This is money Bhutan is saving.
The start of domestic air service is likely to coincide with the royal wedding, but not sure.
The first domestic airstrip is set at Yonphula in Trashigang. In recent years, the government is giving too much stress on development in this district. The airstrips likely to get ready soon are in Bumthang and Gelephu. Transhigang has big tourism potential while Gelephu has economic capability. The government has already decided to build this southern town as Special Economic Zone.
Air services in Bhutan will obviously strengthen economic indicators. Faster is its arrival, better the yield Bhutan will have.