Bhutan’s Visionary Gateway: Inside the Design of Gelephu International Airport
Photos: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
If airports were rated on their beauty and exclusivity, Bhutan’s upcoming Gelephu International Airport might just take the crown. In fact, it looks so stunning, serene, and luxurious that you can almost picture an entire season of The White Lotus taking place here—mysterious billionaires arriving on private jets, drama unfolding between meditative retreats and treetop walkways, and the occasional existential crisis happening in a sun-drenched lounge. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and scheduled to open in 2029, this isn’t just an airport—it’s an architectural experience that blends Bhutan’s deep cultural heritage with modern sustainability.
A Portal to the Future, Rooted in Tradition
Nestled in the lush subtropical landscapes near the Bhutan-India border, the Gelephu International Airport is scheduled to open in 2029. Designed to echo the majesty of the Himalayas, its sweeping silhouette merges seamlessly with the natural environment.
What makes this project extraordinary is its deep integration of Bhutanese tradition into every architectural element. BIG’s modular diagrid structure, built from locally sourced glulam timber, pays homage to Bhutan’s sacred ‘Kachen’ pillars, infusing the design with cultural authenticity while ensuring flexibility for future expansion.
Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
One of the most striking aspects of the airport is the intricate woodwork that adorns its exteriors and interiors. Local artisans will carve elaborate depictions of dragons and mythological motifs, symbolizing Bhutan’s past, present, and future. This artistic craftsmanship elevates the airport beyond a transit hub—it becomes a cultural landmark, telling the story of Bhutan through architecture.
Inside, the terminal is a sanctuary of tranquility. Designed to counteract the stresses of modern air travel, the airport features a ‘Forest Spine’—a green courtyard filled with native plants that brings the outside world into the terminal. Passengers can walk along treetop pathways or unwind in dedicated meditation and wellness lounges, embracing Bhutan’s philosophy of mindfulness.
Sustainability at Its Core
Bhutan, famous for being the world’s only carbon-negative country, has ensured that Gelephu International Airport aligns with its environmental commitments. The wooden structure naturally regulates humidity by absorbing excess moisture, while a combination of passive cooling techniques, shaded eaves, and solar energy systems reduces the airport’s ecological footprint.
From the ventilation system to the roofing, every element is designed to harness natural energy, minimizing reliance on artificial climate control. These features solidify the airport’s role as a model for sustainable infrastructure in the aviation industry.
The Heart of Bhutan’s ‘Mindfulness City’
Gelephu International Airport is more than just an aviation hub—it is a keystone in Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project. This urban development plan, championed by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, aims to foster economic growth while upholding Bhutan’s values of mindfulness and environmental consciousness.
Organized around seven key economic clusters—including spirituality, health, education, green energy, and aviation—the Mindfulness City will position Bhutan as a forward-thinking global destination. The airport itself is projected to accommodate 123 flights per day, with an estimated 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040 and a capacity to serve up to 5.5 million travelers by 2065.
Bhutan’s Architectural Statement on the Global Stage
Ahead of its grand opening, the innovative design of Gelephu International Airport will be showcased at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale under the theme Ancient Future. The exhibit will highlight how Bhutan is redefining global infrastructure by seamlessly fusing modernity with ancient wisdom.
As Bhutan opens its doors to the world through this visionary gateway, Gelephu International Airport is poised to become not just a transportation hub, but an architectural and cultural masterpiece—one that redefines the future of sustainable travel.
