A Traditional Art of Arrival at Bhutan’s Gelephu Airport

Bhutan’s second international airport, the Gelephu International Airport, is set to redefine mindful travel with a design that blends the country’s traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. Located near the Bhutan-India border, alongside the Paitha River and nestled within lush subtropical forests, the airport is a key component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) masterplan, designed by BIG, Arup, and Cistri.

With an impressive capacity to handle 123 flights daily and serve 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040, increasing to 5.5 million passengers by 2065, the airport will be a crucial aviation hub for Bhutan. Designed with modular glulam timber diagrid structures, adorned with intricate Bhutanese wood carvings, the airport is an architectural tribute to the country’s cultural heritage. The project will be prominently showcased at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, under the theme Ancient Future. One of its highlights will be a timber diamond piece, half sculpted by a Bhutanese artisan and half by a machine, symbolising the interplay of heritage and technological advancement.

Architectural Inspiration and Sustainability

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has underscored the airport’s significance, stating: “Our immediate priority over the next five years is the construction of a large international airport in Gelephu, which will establish the GMC as a key aviation hub. This airport is essential for the success of the GMC as a business hub, while being a critical lifeline for Bhutan’s national security, since it is a landlocked country.”

Arrival CorridorDesigned with locally and sustainably sourced timber, the diagrid framework takes inspiration from Bhutan’s revered architectural element, the Kachen, a wooden pillar known for its structural strength and spiritual symbolism. Adorned with hand-painted Bhutanese carvings, the airport’s exterior embodies a deep cultural connection ensuring modern functionality.

The structural modularity of the timber frames allows for easy expansion, supporting GMC’s projected growth. In alignment with Bhutan’s carbon-negative status, the airport’s roof is equipped with PV panels, reinforcing the country’s dedication to sustainability.

A Gateway that Embodies Bhutan

Reflecting on the design process, Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director of BIG says, “An airport is the first and last impression one gets of a place. For Gelephu International Airport, we sought to embody Bhutan’s nature and culture. The forests flow from the arrival plaza through the airport, tropical trees provide shade, and the Forest Spine integrates immigration, security, and baggage functions.The airport’s modular mass timber frames create a sculptural mountain-like form, while the carvings depict three types of dragons, representing Bhutan’s past, present, and future. The result is both traditional and avant-garde, rooted yet forward-looking.”

The arrival plaza is an extension of Bhutan’s biodiversity, structured into four zones, each dedicated to specific plants found in Gelephu’s forests. Natural stone paving, shaded gathering spaces, and an abundance of greenery create a welcoming entryway.

At the heart of the airport is the Forest Spine, an interior courtyard that brings Bhutan’s famed biodiversity corridors into the terminal.

Dividing the airport into two sections—domestic flights on the west and international flights on the east—the Forest Spine provides travelers with a serene, nature-filled retreat. A treetop walkway, tranquil seating areas, and indigenous flora allow for a calming pre-flight experience.

A Celebration of Bhutanese Craft

Beyond its structure, the airport serves as a living museum of Bhutanese craftsmanship, integrating Shing-Zo (carpentry), Par-Zo (wood carving), Lha-Zo (painting), and Tshar-Zo (weaving techniques). The exquisite Bhutanese carvings extend from the exterior to the interior walls and ceilings, ensuring that Bhutan’s artistic heritage is omnipresent.

Infused with mindfulness principles, the airport features open lounges, natural lighting, and designated wellness areas, including spaces for yoga, gong baths, and meditation. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights maximize natural illumination, creating an environment that fosters relaxation and mental clarity.

A Seamless Travel Experience

Arrival Hall View

The layout prioritises passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Clear wayfinding, intuitive circulation paths, and strategically placed gates ensure a stress-free transition from arrival to departure, according to the architects. The upper level houses retail, dining areas, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, offering a unique travel experience.

Recognizing Bhutan’s subtropical climate, the design integrates passive cooling strategies inspired by traditional Bhutanese architecture. Ventilated roofs and courtyards encourage airflow, while extended eaves provide shade and protection from heavy monsoons. The wooden structure, known for its moisture-absorbing properties, naturally regulates humidity within the terminal.

As Bhutan’s first in-land mobility hub, the airport will seamlessly connect with public transportation, including trackless trams and buses, ensuring easy accessibility to Gelephu’s town center and beyond.

Frederik Lyng, Partner at BIG, elaborated on the airport’s significance: “For Gelephu International Airport, we wanted to create an experience that feels deeply Bhutanese—calm, welcoming, and connected to nature. The integration of generous daylight, Bhutanese landscape elements, and intricate craftsmanship ensures that passengers feel guided gently through the terminal. This project not only honours Bhutan’s rich heritage but also sets a new benchmark for mindful, adaptable architecture, ensuring growth while staying rooted in tradition.”

A Mindful Gateway to the World

Set to open in 2029, Gelephu International Airport is more than an aviation hub—it is a global gateway that embodies Bhutan’s spiritual, cultural, and architectural identity.

By merging traditional craft with modern sustainability, the airport serves as an inspiring precedent for mindful, human-centric infrastructure. Through its thoughtful design, Bhutan welcomes travelers not just with efficiency, but with an immersive experience that reflects its values of happiness, well-being, and environmental stewardship.