Bhutan’s new airport aims to transform tourism and economy

The landlocked country of Bhutan is undergoing a significant transformation with the development of Gelephu International Airport, designed to bolster tourism and enhance national security. This airport, located in the southern region of Bhutan near the Indian border, is integral to the ambitious plan of establishing a mindfulness city. The airport, with a size of 731,946 square feet, is projected to manage up to 123 flights daily, catering to a maximum of 1.3 million passengers each year. Bhutan's tourism infrastructure is currently limited, with the country receiving just 316,000 tourists in 2019. Paro Airport, the nation's main entry point, is constrained by geographical challenges, making it difficult to accommodate larger aircraft. In contrast, Gelephu’s flatter terrain will allow for extended runways suitable for bigger jets, which is critical for drawing more international visitors. The project is being driven under the guidance of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who emphasizes the livelihood this initiative can provide to the nation, along with its security implications for a landlocked region. The architectural design for the airport by the Bjarke Ingels Group incorporates Bhutan's cultural ethos by featuring modular mass timber structures that reflect the country's natural landscape and traditional craftsmanship. Elements such as wooden frames resembling mountains and decorative dragon motifs represent different aspects of the nation's heritage. This thoughtful incorporation into airport design aims to create a welcoming environment in line with Bhutan's commitment to 'gross national happiness,' helping to alleviate the stress often associated with air travel. The Gelephu International Airport is strategically located with easy access to India, Bhutan's principal trade partner, thereby fostering improved economic ties and planning for the mindfulness city as a business hub. This initiative aligns with Bhutan’s pioneering approach to ‘high value, low impact’ tourism, which requires visitors to contribute a sustainable development fee, ensuring that the influx of tourists benefits public services such as healthcare and education. With the commitment shown by the government and the new airport's capacity, Bhutan’s future in terms of economic growth and sustainability looks promising.