Singapore-headquartered travel agency Chan Brothers inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Drukair Corporation, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, earlier this morning.
This MoU will expand direct charter operations not only between Bhutan and Singapore, but also between Singapore and Uzbekistan. It is also the first time Drukair is operating flights into Uzbekistan.
Chan Guat Cheng, executive director, Chan Brothers, said: “We are expanding our charter flights from six last year, to 30 across this year and the next year. Today’s partnership represents more than new flight routes, and reflects a shared commitment to elevating travel experiences and fostering people cultural understanding as the global travel landscape continues to evolve.”
Damcho Rinzin, director of tourism for Bhutan, stressed the importance of the Singapore outbound market for the Kingdom.
“There were 2,000 Singaporeans who visited Bhutan in 2024, and in 1H2025, the number currently stands at 1,200. The projected number for this year is 3,000. Singapore is currently the fourth highest inbound market for Bhutan, just 1,000 travellers behind third-placed China,” he shared with TTG Asia.
For 2026, Rinzin indicated that the overall target for the total number of visitors is pegged at 300,000, with no more than 50 per cent from India, the Kingdom’s top market at the moment.
Similarly, Alisher Kayumov, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Singapore, also expressed his gratitude to Chan Brothers and Drukair Corporation, for this “long-awaited” initiative.
“This direct flight (between Singapore and Uzbekistan) will significantly reduce travel time and make trips more comfortable. I hope that the charter flights, which are set to begin in December, will make Uzbekistan more accessible and convenient for travellers from Singapore and neighbouring countries.”
Citizens of nearly 100 countries, including Singapore, can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days. Around 3,000 Singaporeans travel to Uzbekistan yearly, which Kayumov is hopeful will increase in light of the chartered services.
In addition to this MoU, Kayumov added that they are currently working on re-establishing direct flights to Singapore with other airlines. Prior to Covid, direct flights between Singapore and Uzbekistan existed.
Tandi Wangchuk, CEO of Drukair Corporation, stated: “With the signing of the MoU, this marks the beginning of a new strategic partnership. The world of travel and tourism is changing, and people are looking for authentic and exclusive destinations, but are faced with time constraint and lack of direct flights to these places.”
He added that Singapore was not “just another destination”, but instead, an “aviation hub” and “gateway to a wider world”.
