Bhutan’s Gelephu International Airport Is a Fusion of Tradition and Modern Innovation
Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group in collaboration with Arup and Cistri.
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has revealed its plans for the new Gelephu International Airport, which will become Bhutan’s second international airport. Strategically situated near the Bhutan-Indian border and the Paitha River, the airport will span 68,000 square meters and be surrounded by the kingdom’s lush subtropical forests, mountains, and rivers. The design aims to leave travelers with a lasting impression of Bhutan and its Mindfulness City in Gelephu.
The airport’s façade will feature modular mass timber frames that provide flexibility and expandability, creating the appearance of a stylized mountain range from a distance. These mass timber members will be intricately carved and colored according to traditional Bhutanese craft, with three types of dragons representing Bhutan’s past, present, and future, merging avant-garde innovation with heritage.
Internally, the airport will showcase Bhutanese culture through various interior design choices, such as Shing-Zo (carpentry), Par-Zo (carving), Lha-Zo (painting) and Tshar-Zo (traditional weaving techniques). Traditional Bhutanese carvings will extend from the exterior to the interiors, creating a cohesive design. The airport will be bathed in natural light, featuring a grand triple-height entry, expansive windows and skylights, providing tranquil indoor and outdoor lounges for yoga, sound baths and meditation, reflecting Bhutan’s values.
Designed by BIG in collaboration with Arup and Cistri, the airport is scheduled to open in 2029. It is projected to welcome 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040 and handle 123 flights daily. An installation at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 will feature a timber diamond piece from the airport’s façade.
This innovative design showcases Bhutan’s cultural heritage while incorporating modern elements, ensuring that the Gelephu International Airport provides a memorable and meaningful experience for travelers. The project highlights the careful consideration of cultural and environmental elements, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing gateway to Bhutan’s Mindfulness City.
