From Vision to Runway: Gelephu International Airport Breaks Ground

Bhutan has begun construction on its second international airport in Gelephu, marking a major milestone in the country’s development. Set to open by 2029, the airport will enhance connectivity, support tourism, and anchor the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City.

On 8 July 2025, His Majesty King Jigme and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, graced a significant national occasion—the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gelephu International Airport (GIA).

This event marked the beginning of a bold and visionary project that forms a cornerstone of Bhutan’s future development. Their presence underscored the deep spiritual and national significance of the airport, setting the tone for a project rooted in service, foresight, and mindful progress.

Reviving the Spirit of Zhabtog

In a powerful display of unity and national pride, Their Majesties were joined by over a thousand Desuup and Gyalsup volunteers who came forward to offer zhabtog—Bhutan’s revered tradition of voluntary service. This ancient practice has long been part of the country’s heritage, contributing to the building of homes, sacred monuments, and vital infrastructure.

The ceremony was also attended by the Prime Minister, senior government officials, members of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, representatives of the Zhung Dratshang including Lams and Trulkus, and the wider Gelephu community. From the break of dawn, prayers led by the Dorji Lopen were conducted to bless the land and the project with spiritual protection and auspiciousness.

A Message of Merit and Future Blessings

During the ceremony, His Majesty King Jigme addressed the nation with a deeply moving message about the enduring value of this project. “The karmic merit of building the airport surpasses that of constructing ten thousand Zangtopelris, as it paves the way for future generations to enjoy peace, prosperity, and stability, and to undertake work that will, in turn, generate merit for generations to come.”

His Majesty’s words offered both spiritual and practical guidance, highlighting how the airport is more than just a piece of infrastructure—it is a vehicle of national empowerment and a lasting legacy for Bhutanese to continue generating merit through progress and purposeful action.

The First Pillar of Gelephu Mindfulness City

Set to be completed by 2029, the Gelephu International Airport is the first major infrastructure component under the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. Envisioned as a centre of mindful innovation and holistic living, the Mindfulness City project reflects Bhutan’s unique approach to development—one that places human wellbeing and spiritual harmony at its core.

The airport will cover four square kilometres across the Paitha River and feature a 3,000-metre CAT I Code 4E runway. Initially designed to accommodate Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 aircraft, it will eventually support wide-body aircraft as well. With capacity for 1.3 million passengers annually, the airport can be expanded to serve over 5.5 million passengers in the future.

Inspired by Nature, Designed for the Future

The terminal architecture will draw inspiration from Bhutan’s four major forest ecosystems: evergreen oak, cool broadleaf, warm broadleaf, and subtropical. The design will also incorporate traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship, native plant landscaping, and thoughtful spatial zoning to create a serene and immersive travel experience.

Planned connections to surrounding developments within the Gelephu Mindfulness City will ensure seamless integration. Every design detail—from the layout to the materials—has been conceived with long-term harmony, sustainability, and cultural identity in mind.

A Showcase of Sustainable Innovation

Sustainability lies at the heart of the airport's design. A box culvert system will maintain the Paitha River’s natural flow beneath the runway, while terminal roofs will be fitted with photovoltaic panels to generate clean energy. Natural airflow and architectural shading will help optimise energy use and maintain comfort without excessive reliance on mechanical systems.

Locally sourced materials such as glulam timber will be used throughout the construction to reduce environmental impact and support Bhutanese industries. The project is poised to become a regional model of green infrastructure—built not just for efficiency, but for a deeper connection with nature.

Building Livelihoods Alongside Infrastructure

Beyond its connectivity benefits, the airport is set to bring a host of opportunities for the local population. It will provide employment during both the construction and operational phases, offering job creation in engineering, management, hospitality, and other supporting sectors.

There will also be training programmes to equip Bhutanese workers with new skills and professional development. Additionally, the airport’s cargo facilities are expected to enhance Bhutan’s export capabilities, supporting local producers and entrepreneurs as they reach new markets abroad.

A Vision Backed by Experience

Liew Mun Leong, Chief Executive Officer of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, shared his vision for the project’s impact: “The groundbreaking today for the Gelephu International Airport marks the commencement of construction of the airport, which signifies the beginning of the realisation of His Majesty’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The airport itself is one of the key components of GMC. It will bring the world to Bhutan, and Bhutan to the world. It will be transformative to Bhutan economically and socially.”

He added, “Having worked on the building of Changi Airport and having served as Chairman of Changi Airport, I can testify to the phenomenal impact that an airport can make to a country and its people. The Gelephu International Airport symbolises Bhutan’s readiness to thoughtfully open itself to the world, setting a new standard of meaningful and mindful development.”

A Timeline Towards Completion

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, earthworks for river diversion and land preparation are set to begin immediately. The main construction of the runway and terminal will commence in April 2026, followed by the installation of airport systems in July 2027.

Testing and commissioning will take place from March 2029, leading to the grand inauguration of the Gelephu International Airport in December 2029. As each milestone is reached, Bhutan moves one step closer to realising His Majesty’s vision for a future built on balance, purpose, and mindful prosperity.