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.”
Gelephu International Airport Construction Timeline Towards Completion
Timeline |
Progress |
| 8th June 2025 | Groundbreaking ceremony |
| April 2026 | Main construction of runway and terminal |
| July 2026 | Installation of airport systems |
| July 2028 | Aerodrome Certification Begins |
| March 2029 | Testing and commissioning |
| July 2029 | ORAT (Operational Readiness & Airport Transfer) Starts |
| December 2029 | Grand inauguration of Gelephu International Airport |
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.
As of now, Bhutan has only one international airport, Paro International Airport. The Gelephu International Airport will become the country’s second international gateway, offering a new southern access point that enhances connectivity, decentralises development, and opens up fresh opportunities for trade, travel, and transformation.
Find out All About Gelephu International Airport.
His Majesty’s Address to the Nation On the Commencement of Construction Work for Gelephu International Airport
(Translation)
Today, as we gather to start the construction works for the Gelephu International Airport, we are laying the foundations of a legacy that will shape the lives of generations to come.
We stand here, surrounded by earth-movers, in a moment of reckoning. But there is no room for anxiety or doubt, because we are prepared. We are ready to face every challenge head-on, to find solutions, and to give it our all. We stand together, united in purpose, confident that no matter how difficult the road ahead, we will persevere.
His Majesty the Great Fourth bequeathed to us a great nation built with sweat and toil. The sacrifices and accomplishments of the previous generation gave us a country which enjoys peace, democracy, and immense potential. We cannot be mere custodians of their achievements, nor is it our duty to only preserve the status quo. We are builders. Our generation has been given the extraordinary opportunity to build an even brighter future.
We are deeply indebted to His Majesty and the previous generation for placing their faith in us, and giving us the capabilities to design a future rooted in what we value and choose to preserve. We are privileged to be architects who will shape the future to meet our aspirations for all times to come.
We cannot waste the extraordinary opportunity entrusted to us. If we allow fear, doubt, and hesitation to impede us, we will have wronged the future generations. They will suffer the consequences of our inaction. It falls on our generation to take on this responsibility, make difficult decisions, and take the road less travelled, so that the next generation can enjoy greater peace, security, and prosperity. Our sacrifice will pave the way for our children to succeed. They will be beneficiaries of our efforts, and have the ability to earn merit and perform generous acts.
What we are building today is more than an airport. For a landlocked nation, connectivity in all its forms is of the utmost importance for us – air, water, rail, road, fibre optic cables, satellites, digital, commercial, financial, social and cultural. Bhutan’s terrain is as harsh as it is beautiful. An international airport is a vital link to the wider world.
The airport will have a capacity for 1.3 million annual passengers initially, expandable to 15 million in the future. This promises enormous economic opportunities to benefit our people, especially the youth.
The clang and dust of machines and people working today represents just the beginning of a historic journey. We are building a monument that will surpass the merits of constructing 10,000 Zangdopelri. The international airport will have a lasting economic impact on the lives of Bhutanese. It will uplift generations to come, and empower them to live with pride and dignity, and enable them to do tremendous good in the world.
As we embark on this journey, the world is watching. There are many who believe in us and in our vision, who care for us and extend their full support. It is inevitable that there will also be those who are indifferent, and others who are skeptical or envious. We are a nation that believes in showing our gratitude, and does not forget our well-wishers. We will persevere in our efforts, change the minds of those who are indifferent, and prove the critics wrong.
Jetsun and our children have accompanied me here so that we can all spend time with Gyalsups and Desuups, and work alongside you. This is an expression of our support to you, and a reminder that we are all in this together.
I want to thank the Prime Minister, the government, and the Zhung Dratshang for their full support for this important national endeavour. I also want to thank the trulkus and lams who were tasked with making Gelephu Mindfulness City a bastion of Dharma. They have dedicated all their efforts to ensure that this vision will become a reality.
Above all, I thank the people of Bhutan, and especially the people settled on the land that is now part of the airport. It was not easy for the people to settle here – they had to grapple with the tropical jungle and militants, but they persevered, and built their homes and livelihoods here. And yet, when this land was identified as part of the international airport, they did not hesitate to give it up for the sake of our country and future. This is what makes Bhutan truly special. We all recognize that what we are doing today will benefit our nation for all times to come.
I will never forget your contribution to this effort, and will ensure that you are always cared for. Future generations will be forever grateful to you.
Before we begin our work, I want to reiterate that this is a truly proud moment.
Generations of Bhutanese will benefit from our efforts. Our children and grandchildren will carry forward values of compassion, generosity, and service, and honour our commitment and sacrifice.
It is our great privilege to be entrusted with this task.
