By 2029, Bhutan will welcome its second international airport in Gelephu. The designs for the new terminal, created by architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), have now been revealed.
Located near the Bhutan-India border, Gelephu International Airport is set to open in 2029 with a 68,000-square-metre terminal. The project is a collaboration between BIG and aviation engineering firm NACO, envisioning a space capable of handling 1.3 million annual passengers by 2040, with an expansion to 5.5 million by 2065.
The airport will form part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan, a broader development designed by BIG in partnership with NACO, Arup, and Cistri.
Inspired by Bhutan’s natural landscape
The airport’s location is striking in itself, set amidst subtropical surroundings with mountains and the Paitha River in the background. This natural setting has influenced the design, with the terminal’s undulating diagrid structure intended to resemble a stylised mountain range.
While the glulam framework of the terminal is a familiar architectural feature, BIG has incorporated intricate woodcarvings crafted by local artisans. These carvings, depicting dragons, are a nod to Kachen, the decorative wooden columns found in traditional Bhutanese architecture.
“For the Gelephu International Airport, we wanted to create an experience that feels deeply Bhutanese – calm, welcoming, and connected to nature”, BIG partner Frederik Lyng said in an interview with Dezeen. “The airport will provide an outstanding passenger experience, where generous daylit spaces, elements of the Bhutanese landscape, and the intricate carvings of the Bhutanese craftsmen go hand in hand to gently guide the passenger through the terminal.”
The glulam structure is not only decorative but also modular, allowing for future expansion. Should passenger numbers exceed expectations, additional modules can be seamlessly integrated into the existing design, ensuring the airport evolves as demand grows.
A green and serene experience for travellers
The arrival plaza in front of the terminal will be divided into four zones, each showcasing different native plants from the region. These landscaped areas will incorporate stone paving and seating, creating a welcoming environment for visitors.
Inside, greenery will continue to play a central role. A series of plant-filled spaces will enhance the terminal’s aesthetics and air quality. The Forest Spine, a large green courtyard at the airport’s core, will act as a natural divider between the domestic and international zones.
Wellness facilities to enhance assenger experience
Beyond its architectural and environmental features, the airport will focus on passenger well-being. Facilities such as yoga rooms, gong baths, and meditation spaces will be incorporated in line with the overarching vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan. These additions aim to create a tranquil atmosphere for travellers, enhancing their overall experience.
Aside from greenery and woodcarvings, the wellbeing of the passengers will be secured by adding special yoga, gong baths and meditation rooms inside the airport. This should contribute to their sense of serenity while travelling and corresponds with the overall Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan.
A model of the new airport will be displayed at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, offering a first glimpse of what is set to become one of Bhutan’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
