[4] Yongphulla Airport was a simple airstrip at that time, located high atop mountainous terrain and largely unused.

Six months later it closed for runway surface repairs, after Drukair suspended operations citing safety concerns.

[6] When the airport reopened in January 2013, following a complete resurfacing of the runway, Drukair scheduled flights to Yongphulla remained suspended because of regulatory requirements and further safety concerns.

Drukair also asked for the two hillocks on either side of the runway to be removed on the grounds that the airport is prone to strong crosswinds and these represent a hazard to aircraft in such conditions.

[6] In 2013, the airport closed to all air traffic, due to the lack of fire service cover and to allow significant structural repairs to the airfield.