Royal Presence Inspires Progress at Gelephu International Airport
Following the commencement of construction at Gelephu International Airport, Their Majesties and Royal Highnesses have remained on-site, inspiring over 3,000 volunteers—including Gyalsups, De-suups, and citizens from across Bhutan—to contribute through zhabtog. Despite the summer heat and monsoon rains, the project moves forward with remarkable unity, energy, and a shared commitment to realising the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Following the momentous launch of construction works at the Gelephu International Airport, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema, and Their Royal Highnesses have remained in Gelephu, offering unwavering support and guidance. Their Majesties’ presence has become a powerful source of encouragement for all involved in this landmark national project, instilling both pride and motivation among the workforce.
At the heart of the volunteer force are over a thousand Gyalsups and De-suups, who are working shoulder-to-shoulder with local construction companies to carry out vital earthworks in preparation for the airport’s main construction phase. Despite challenges posed by monsoon rains and the sweltering summer heat, the team’s morale remains high—energised by a collective commitment to a greater vision.
Consecrating Sacred Ground and Visiting Future Hubs
In a symbolic and spiritual gesture, Their Majesties installed sachu bumter to consecrate the site of the future Genyen Neykhang in Phulari, honouring Bhutanese tradition while grounding the development in spiritual significance. They also made a visit to the construction site of the Gyalsung Academy in Tareythang, another key initiative under the broader vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
Volunteers have poured in not just from Sarpang Dzongkhag but from across Bhutan, all eager to contribute to this historic endeavour. From regional offices and local schools to community associations and private businesses, more than 1,600 individuals have joined the effort—creating a diverse and united front working in harmony under the leadership of Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses.
A Collective National Effort
The momentum continues with over 1,500 Gyalsups and De-suups actively engaged on-site, working alongside the wider community and government representatives. The Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and senior government officials have lent their hands to the cause, joined by ambassadors and heads of international agencies, who have come forward with their entire teams to take part in the effort.
Despite the scorching summer conditions in Gelephu, the spirit of unity and purpose remains undiminished. The shared aspiration of bringing the Gelephu Mindfulness City to life, anchored by its international airport, has galvanised the entire nation, creating a palpable sense of hope and dedication on the ground.
A Vision Brought to Life by Thousands
Construction officially began with a solemn prayer ceremony on July 8th, marking the spiritual and physical birth of Bhutan’s second international gateway. Since that day, thousands—including volunteers, GMC officials, and construction teams—have worked side by side, clearing and preparing the land for the future.
What makes this project extraordinary is not just its architectural ambition, but the human spirit that drives it. Each contribution, no matter how small, is woven into a larger tapestry of national service, led by the guiding presence of the Royal Family. As more people continue to join the cause, Gelephu is fast transforming into a living embodiment of Bhutan’s values—resilience, unity, and mindful progress.
Find out all you need about Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) here.
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.
