Gelephu International Airport: Bhutan's New Prospect
- Joe Lim
- May 8
- 5 min read
Bhutan's forthcoming international airport, Gelephu, is essential for attracting additional tourists and enhancing the nation's economy.
In 2023, Bhutan welcomed 103,000 tourists, approximately two-thirds fewer than the pre-pandemic peak established in 2019. The new target, given a more diverse consumer base, is to promptly achieve over 300,000 annual visitors.
Last year's notable initial measure was the reduction of the compulsory daily sustainable development tax to USD 100 per adult, effective until August 31, 2027. The global pandemic profoundly disrupted the tourism industry, which continues to struggle with recovery from the COVID-19 mandates. A representative for Bhutan tourism remarked, “We assert that the tourism sector plays a crucial role in generating employment, earning foreign exchange, and enhancing overall economic growth.”
Independent travelers can now plan their journeys more efficiently and economize due to a new official booking platform. At least fifty percent of the nation's tourists should originate from non-Asian markets, such as the United States, Europe, and Australia; in the last complete year prior to the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, nearly 73 percent of all arrivals came from Indian tourists.
Most Joyful Nation Globally
This country is globally recognized for its Gross National Happiness Index (GNH), which assesses citizens' well-being across various dimensions, including health, living conditions, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. The government aspires to be the inaugural carbon-negative nation in history.
The nation, while apprehensive about the repercussions of mass tourism and maintaining a ban on mountain climbing to preserve the sanctity of its peaks, is actively striving to enhance tourist attraction and elevate the contribution of tourism to its USD 3 billion economy from 5 percent to 20 percent.
The notion influences various aspects of Bhutanese society, encompassing environmental conservation, economic development, and government. The nation's dedication to conserving forest cover and achieving carbon negativity underscores its potential as a global leader in ecological management. A 2024 Reuters article states that 50,000 Bhutanese are employed in the tourism sector, which generated USD 84 million in foreign exchange revenues three years prior to the pandemic.
The country's vast vistas of the Himalayan mountains and its cliffside Buddhist temples draw travelers annually. Bhutan is progressively enhancing its infrastructure for tourism and connectivity.
Spanking-New Airport
The forthcoming construction of a new international airport in Gelephu, situated in the southern region of the country, is poised to bolster the national economy and tourism sector. This significant endeavor seeks to facilitate access for travelers to this enigmatic destination.
Alongside Paro International Airport, the planned Gelephu International Airport will function as Bhutan's second international airport. Located in the Sarpang District, Gelephu's strategic closeness to the Indian border renders it an ideal center for enhancing regional connectivity. The projected expenditure for the project is approximately Nu 20 billion, equivalent to USD 240 million. The inauguration of Gelephu International Airport in 2029 will transform travel within the Himalayan empire. The design is a collaboration with Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO).
Selected Location
Gelephu was selected as the location due to its topography, which facilitates longer runways capable of accommodating heavier aircraft. Gelephu, positioned near India, Bhutan’s primary economic and diplomatic ally, is optimally located for train and road connectivity.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan has led the Gelephu Mindfulness City program. The Bhutanese King stated, "This airport is vital for the GMC's success as a business hub and serves as a crucial lifeline for Bhutan's national security, particularly for a landlocked nation."
The nation, with an approximate population of 750,000, is positioned as a leader in "high value, low impact" tourism. The daily sustainable development fee of USD 100 imposed on visitors funds Bhutan's public services, encompassing healthcare and education.
Conscious Exploration
This initiative is a crucial component of the USD 100 billion Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, which seeks to incorporate ecological balance and spiritual fulfillment into urban development to tackle economic challenges, including as youth unemployment and decreasing birth rates.
The innovative design, with tropical trees that provide natural shade throughout the structure, will enable tourists to appreciate Bhutan’s natural environment upon arrival. A forest courtyard that integrates the outdoors with the indoors will be the centerpiece for the airport's essential operational components, including immigration, security, and luggage handling.
Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of the architectural company BIG, which is spearheading the airport's design, states, “An airport is the first and last impression of a location you visit.” At Gelephu International Airport, we have endeavored to encapsulate the essence of the nation's nature and culture, as well as that of the Mindfulness City. The woodlands in the highlands can extend from the arrival plaza through the airport to the tarmac.
The building employs modular mass timber frames, facilitating flexibility and potential expansion. From afar, the airport's outline will merge into the adjacent landscape, suggesting a stylized mountain range.
Each of the four zones in the arrival plaza will have native plant species surrounding seating areas for travelers to relax.
The facility will provide intricate traditional carvings and hues, producing elements that enhance its identity. Various types of dragons, symbolizing the past, present, and future, will be integrated into the decorative elements. This spiritual aspect highlights the nation's heritage while portraying it as forward-thinking.
The "Kachen," a wooden pillar in traditional Bhutanese architecture esteemed for its structural importance and fine artistic details, will influence the distinctive characteristics of the new facility, which will include elaborately painted wood carvings by local artisans.
Facilitating Larger Aircraft
The airport's architecture will accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A320, A321, and A350. The proposed runway is around 3,500 meters, accommodating larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
Gelephu International Airport encompasses an area of 731,946 square feet, with the capacity to serve 1.3 million passengers annually and facilitate 123 flights daily. While these figures are modest in comparison to prominent airports like as London Heathrow or New York's JFK, the arrival of 316,000 people in 2019 represents a notable achievement for this landlocked nation.
International travelers arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH), located near Thimphu, the capital. Due to its challenging position between two Himalayan peaks, intense monsoon winds, and insufficient runway lighting, only a limited number of small aircraft can operate in and out of Paro each day. These flights are all short-haul routes from adjacent Asian cities such as Bangkok and New Delhi.
Bhutan's economy is significantly reliant on tourism, which produces substantial jobs and government revenue. The nation's tourism policy is "High-Value, Low-Impact" to save its unspoiled nature and cultural heritage.
The recent announcement of the new Gelephu Airport is poised to bolster tourism in Bhutan with its "high value, low impact" strategy, promoting environmentally sustainable travel. This expansion will propel the hotel business, fostering sustainable accommodations, wellness amenities, and cultural events for discerning travelers. The airport in Bhutan exemplifies the harmonious integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainability. This astute amalgamation of heritage with eco-friendly innovation renders Bhutan a more sustainable and remarkable tourism destination.
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“Bhutan has officially secured a position at the pinnacle of my travel aspirations, and the Gelephu International Airport will significantly benefit the nation's economy.” It transcends a mere airport; it serves as the catalyst for sustainable tourism, economic growth, and a new epoch of conscientious travel. Due to enhanced connectivity, sustainable initiatives, and a distinctive Bhutanese character, this airport is set to position Bhutan as a premier destination for environmentally conscious travelers and progressive growth.
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---Kiranjeet Kaur, Director of Marketing Communications at W Kuala Lumpur
The opening of the new international airport will enhance Bhutan's development. It is a commitment to enhance the economy, generate employment, while safeguarding the nation's natural splendor and allowing global exploration of the landlocked locale.
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