Drukair chooses Worldpay to boost global payments

Bhutan's national carrier Drukair has selected Worldpay as its new global payment gateway provider in a deal that aims to overhaul the airline's online booking and payment infrastructure.

The agreement introduces Worldpay's international acquiring network and transaction routing across Drukair's digital channels. The airline expects lower decline rates on cross-border transactions and a more consistent checkout experience for passengers booking from overseas markets.

Drukair, which trades as Royal Bhutan Airlines, is expanding its international presence from its base at Paro International Airport. The airline links Bhutan with destinations across South Asia and selected regional hubs, and has been investing in digital systems as online bookings grow.

Payments upgrade

Under the partnership, Worldpay's platform will support real-time processing for card payments made on Drukair's online booking sites. The service will handle commonly used credit and debit cards from multiple countries and will route transactions through Worldpay's global acquiring licences in different regions.

The integration will also bring additional fraud controls into Drukair's payment flows. Worldpay's tools apply risk checks to card payments and draw on data from its wider merchant network. The aim is to reduce fraudulent activity without adding friction for legitimate customers.

Passengers booking on Drukair's digital channels will see an updated payment interface once the project goes live. The airline plans to support cards from major schemes, including Visa and Mastercard, in a consistent way across markets.

Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair, said the move reflects a wider focus on modernising the carrier's digital infrastructure. The airline has been shifting more sales online as international tourism to Bhutan develops and as travellers expect smoother eCommerce journeys.

"As we continue expanding our international footprint, it's vital that our digital systems keep pace. Our partnership with Worldpay ensures we can deliver a world-class payment experience that is secure, efficient, and user-friendly. It reflects our commitment to continuous innovation and operational excellence," said Mr. Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair.

Cross-border focus

Worldpay will process payments for Drukair using its network of acquiring licences across more than 170 countries. The company positions this as a way for airlines and other merchants to accept payments in multiple currencies while treating transactions as domestic in many markets.

Drukair expects this structure to cut the number of cross-border declines, which can occur when card-issuing banks flag transactions from unfamiliar locations. A lower decline rate can translate into higher successful bookings and fewer abandoned transactions.

The partnership also gives Drukair access to Worldpay's security layers, which include encryption, tokenisation and authentication tools. These technologies protect card details in transit and at rest. They also support additional checks when required by issuers under schemes such as 3D Secure.

The airline's adoption of the new gateway follows similar moves by regional carriers that want more control over the payment stage of the booking flow. Payment performance has become a focus area as airlines seek to manage distribution costs and as more sales shift from travel agents to direct online channels.

Regional airline push

Worldpay works with a range of airlines across Asia-Pacific and other regions. The company has sought to deepen its presence in travel and hospitality, where high transaction volumes and cross-border customer bases are common.

Phil Pomford, General Manager, Global E-Commerce at Worldpay, said the Drukair deal extends the processor's footprint among Asian carriers.

"Secure, streamlined payments are essential to Drukair's mission of delivering outstanding travel experiences. By joining Worldpay's network of leading airlines in Asia, Drukair can offer reliable and consumer-friendly payment options to travellers wherever they book. This partnership reinforces Worldpay's leadership in airline and travel payments across APAC and globally, supporting our clients' growth and innovation," said Mr. Phil Pomford, General Manager, Global E-Commerce, of Worldpay.

The two companies plan a phased rollout across Drukair's online platforms. The airline said Worldpay-enabled payment services will be available on its booking channels in the near term as it aligns its payment technology with its broader international growth plans.