Sunrays bathe the Jakar Dzong within the Kingdom of Bhutan (Image: Getty)
, the Himalayan kingdom known for its unique approach to development through , is making significant strides in enhancing its connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
Now, a landmark project is set to make it easier for tourists to visit the country with the construction of a new international airport in Gelephu, a city in the southern part of the country.
The planned Gelephu International Airport will become Bhutan’s second international airport, complementing the Paro International Airport.
Located in the Sarpang District, Gelephu’s strategic location near the Indian border makes it an ideal hub for enhancing regional connectivity, and will cost an estimated to cost approximately Nu 20 billion (around £185.2 million).
This development is a pivotal component of the (GMC) project, a £77.3 billion initiative aimed at addressing economic challenges such as youth unemployment and declining birth rates by integrating ecological harmony and spiritual contentment into urban planning.
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The airport will cost an estimated £185.2million to build (Image: BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group)
The airport is designed to accommodate aircraft like the , A321, and A350, with plans to extend the runway to 3,500 meters to support larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380
Tourism is a vital sector in Bhutan’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and national revenue. The country follows a “High-Value, Low-Impact” tourism policy to preserve its rich cultural heritage and pristine environment.
This approach involves a daily sustainable development fee imposed on most international tourists, which funds social welfare programs and infrastructure development. In 2014, Bhutan received 133,480 foreign visitors, reflecting the growing interest in its unique cultural and natural attractions.
There’s no wonder the country wants to ensure it protects its rich, cultural history, for Bhutan is home to some of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. The iconic (Tiger’s Nest) is perched on a cliffside and overlooks the Paro Valley, and is a testament to Bhutanese architecture and spiritual tradition. Meanwhile, the Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers, showcases intricate Bhutanese craftsmanship.
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The development is a pivotal component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project (Image: BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group)
And Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, an enormous haven for biodiversity, offers community-based nature tourism initiatives like the Nabji-Korphu Trek, allowing visitors to experience rural Bhutanese life and natural beauty.
Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH) has made it world famous, and reflects its holistic approach to development, prioritising spiritual, social, and environmental well-being over material wealth.
The philosophy influences all aspects of Bhutanese life, including governance, economic development, and . The country’s dedication to maintaining forest cover and achieving carbon negativity underscores its role as a global leader in environmental stewardship.
The development of the Gelephu International Airport encapsulates this approach, signifying Bhutan’s efforts to modernise infrastructure while preserving its cultural and environmental integrity.
Its current set up shows that Gelephu will mostly cater to domestic flights, although there are plans to open this up to international air traffic and so make it easier to enter the elusive kingdom.