Bhutan's recently established international airport will provide accessibility to a previously hard-to-reach travel destination, unveiling its mystique.
Gelephu International Airport: A Sustainable Gateway to Bhutan
The Gelephu International Airport, a significant infrastructure development, is taking shape in Bhutan under the broader Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative. Led by BIG, Arup, and Cistri, the airport is designed to handle over 1.3 million passengers per year, with an expansion capacity of 5.5 million+, reflecting Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability and green energy standards.
Located on a 4 sq. km area across the Paitha River in Sarpang Dzongkhag, southern Bhutan, near the Indian border, the airport will serve as the anchor infrastructure for the GMC. The runway, classified as Code 4E, will measure 3,000 meters long, capable of handling large aircraft such as Airbus A321 and Boeing 737.
The terminal design by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) integrates Bhutanese cultural values and environmental stewardship with sustainable architecture. The painted facade draws inspiration from traditional Kachen decorative wooden pillars, while the airport's design elements symbolize various aspects of Bhutan's history and future. Locally sourced timber and intricate carvings adorn the timber frames, which are adorned with three types of dragons representing the past, present, and future of Bhutan.
The construction of the airport began in July 2025, with earthworks and site preparation. The main construction of the runway and terminal started in April–June 2026, and the installation of airport systems is scheduled for July 2028. The airport is expected to undergo testing and commissioning in March 2029, with operational readiness and airport transfer preparations beginning in July 2029. The grand inauguration and official opening are planned for December 2029.
The Gelephu International Airport is not just an infrastructure project; it is a testament to Bhutan’s aspirations for sustainable growth. The airport's construction supports the anticipated growth of the GMC, envisioned as a sustainable Special Administrative Region on the southern plains, promoting mindful urban living with mixed-use developments.
By 2040, the airport is projected to welcome 1.3 million passengers annually. With its strategic location near the Bhutan-Indian border and the Paitha River, the airport will provide flatter terrain and views of subtropical forests, making Bhutan’s pristine beauty and serene spiritual allure more accessible.
The Gelephu International Airport is part of the larger urban development initiative called the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which has a somewhat nebulous broader aim. However, the forthcoming airport offers insights into Bhutan's aspirations for sustainable growth, blending traditional Bhutanese culture with modern infrastructure. The timber frames of the airport are structurally independent, facilitating easy disassembly for future expansion, ensuring the airport can adapt to Bhutan's evolving needs.
[1] BIG [2] Arup [3] Cistri [4] Bhutan Post renovation [5] Location
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