Preparatory work for the highly anticipated Gelephu International Airport, a key element of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Special Administrative Region, is advancing rapidly, with construction slated to begin in July 2025. The airport, which is set to open by 2029, will be developed in phases, starting with the construction of the runway, terminal, air traffic control tower, parking facilities, and logistics infrastructure.
The project, which will span over four years, aims to position Gelephu as a major international gateway. While financial structuring and investment details are still being finalized, the GMC team is closely monitoring project timelines to ensure milestones are met. The airport will cater to both current and future needs, with plans to expand its capacity to accommodate flights to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
As part of the development, an interim resettlement scheme is being put in place to support the 224 households that will be relocated from Samtenthang and Samtenling chiwogs in Samtenling gewog. A value-based land replacement strategy is being developed to ensure fair compensation for affected families.
Spanning 2,250 acres, the airport will handle up to 123 flights daily and serve 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040, with projections to reach 5.5 million passengers by 2065. Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in collaboration with NACO Airspace Specialists and Changi Airports International, the airport’s design will blend traditional Bhutanese elements, such as intricate wood carvings and painted facades, with modern architecture.
The project also takes environmental considerations into account, rerouting elephant corridors to prevent disruption to wildlife. The Gelephu International Airport is set to be a key milestone in Bhutan’s infrastructure development, driving both economic growth and international connectivity.
