Chan Brothers and Drukair Partnership Opens New Travel Routes
- Chan Brothers signed an MoU with Drukair Corporation today.
- Direct charter operations will now link Bhutan, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.
- Drukair is launching its first flights into Uzbekistan this year.
- Singapore is becoming an increasingly important market for Bhutan’s tourism.
- The 2024 projections for Singaporean tourists visiting Bhutan stand at 3,000.
- Uzbekistan is targeting increased tourist numbers with direct flights.
- Travelers from Singapore can visit Uzbekistan without a visa for 30 days.
New Charter Operations to Boost Travel Options for Tourists
Expanding Travels to Bhutan and Uzbekistan: A New Era in Air Services In what appears to be a game-changer for travel enthusiasts, Singapore-based travel agency Chan Brothers has struck a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Drukair Corporation, the national flag carrier of Bhutan. This agreement, signed earlier today, is touted as a significant leap in expanding direct charter operations not only from Bhutan to Singapore but also now reaching Uzbekistan. For Drukair, this marks an exciting first—operating flights into Uzbekistan which previously did not have direct links from Singapore. Chan Guat Cheng, the executive director of Chan Brothers, expressed that the number of charter flights is set to surge from six last year to a whopping 30 over the next two years, reflecting a robust growth trajectory.
Singapore’s Outbound Market View on Bhutan’s Tourism
A Cultural Exchange With Economic Benefit: Insight From Bhutan’s Tourism Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Damcho Rinzin, the director of tourism for Bhutan, noted the critical role Singapore plays in their outbound market. Last year, around 2,000 Singaporeans explored Bhutan, and as of the first half of 2025, 1,200 have already visited. The target for this year alone is projected at 3,000 visitors from Singapore, placing the nation as the fourth largest inbound market for Bhutan. Just behind China, which is currently in third place. Looking further ahead, Rinzin mentioned they aim for a total of 300,000 visitors in 2026, cautiously ensuring that no more than half of this number comes from India, their top tourism source. This could potentially result in a thriving cultural exchange between nations, according to local tourism experts.
Increased Accessibility and Tourist Growth in Uzbekistan
Redefining Travel Comfort: Uzbek Ambassadors’ Take on the Direct Route Additionally, Alisher Kayumov, the Uzbek ambassador to Singapore, expressed his delight regarding this new initiative, referring to it as ‘long-awaited’. He noted that this direct flight between Singapore and Uzbekistan will not only streamline travel but also significantly enhance comfort for passengers. Set to commence in December, the charter services are expected to increase the number of Singaporean travelers to Uzbekistan—presently around 3,000 annually—making it more accessible, especially for those from neighboring regions. The remarkable aspect is that nearly 100 countries can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, a detail that Kayumov highlighted as vital for tourism growth. Furthermore, efforts are underway to restore direct flights to Singapore with other airlines, striving to reconnect markets that were disrupted during the pandemic.
In summary, the MoU between Chan Brothers and Drukair Corporation signifies more than just increased flight operations; it represents an evolving travel landscape fostering greater cultural understanding. Bhutan’s push for more Singaporean visitors aligns with the government’s tourism goals, while Uzbekistan prepares for a significant influx from Singapore and beyond. This partnership is a clear example of how the travel industry continues to adapt post-pandemic, aiming for a more vibrant and interconnected future.
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