Drukair introduces real‑time payments, global transaction routing, and fraud controls to support international expansion and improve online booking efficiency.
As part of an ongoing digital transformation program aimed at supporting international growth, Bhutan’s national airline, Drukair, has been enhancing its online booking and payment infrastructure.
The airline currently operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations across six countries within the South Asian region and beyond its base at Paro International Airport.
On 17 December 2025, Drukair announced its continual digital transformation to reflect efforts to reduce transaction failures and improve payment security for passengers booking from outside the country.
In recent years, the airline had expanded its route network across Asia and beyond, which has created the need for a more reliable cross‑border payment process. Its earlier payment system had often led to declined transactions and required manual verification, causing booking delays and additional operational overheads.
To address these issues, Drukair has implemented a new global payment gateway, allowing it to process transactions in real time and reduce friction in the booking process. The deployment includes:
- Integration with a global acquiring network to support cross‑border transactions
- Real‑time payment processing to minimize booking delays
- Intelligent routing to reduce transaction declines due to geography or banking restrictions
- Advanced fraud‑detection and risk‑monitoring mechanisms to secure customer data
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Tandi Wangchuk, said the airline’s international expansion required its digital systems “to keep pace with demand” and that the new payment infrastructure provides “a more efficient and secure booking experience” for travelers.
Commenting on the collaboration, Phil Pomford, General Manager, Global E‑commerce, Worldpay, the payment technology provider working with Drukair, said the firm’s work with regional airlines such as Bhutan’s flag carrier “supports secure, reliable and user‑friendly travel payments across global markets.”
The upgraded system is expected to streamline cross‑border bookings, reduce manual intervention in payment reconciliation, and enhance the overall trustworthiness of the airline’s digital channels amid international growth.
