The Gelephu International Airport of the future is depicted in this illustration, designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.
Mindfulness has become a widely popular concept in the wellness industry, with hotels, spas, and classes dedicated to its practice. However, the nation of Bhutan in the Himalayas is taking this idea to the next level by constructing an entire mindfulness city. Gelephu, located in southern Bhutan near the Indian border, has been chosen as the site for this city, though details about the project have been scarce until now. BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group has unveiled their design for the upcoming Gelephu airport, shedding light on the city and its overarching vision. The designs showcase a collection of wooden diamond-shaped structures that are modular, ensuring ease of updates and expansions in the future. The goal of the airport’s designers is to create a space where the interior seamlessly integrates with the exterior environment.
Airports can be stressful places even on the best of days, with delays, lost baggage, and long lines. So, how can an airport embody a concept like mindfulness? According to Ingels, it’s about incorporating natural elements into the design and embracing Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which prioritizes residents’ well-being in measuring quality of life. The airport is designed to be the first and last impression visitors have of the country, with modular mass timber frames that offer flexibility and expandability. The architecture resembles a stylized mountain range from afar, with mass timber members intricately carved and colored in traditional craft, featuring three dragon motifs symbolizing Bhutan’s past, present, and future. The result is a blend of tradition and innovation, forward-thinking yet deeply rooted in Bhutanese culture. The airport, like the country itself, aims to be carbon-negative, with rooftop solar panels providing power.
Gelephu International Airport will cover 731,946 square feet and accommodate up to 123 flights daily, with a maximum capacity of 1.3 million passengers annually. While this may pale in comparison to major airports like London Heathrow or New York’s JFK, it represents a significant development for landlocked Bhutan, which welcomed only 316,000 tourists in 2019. Currently, all international visitors arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH) near the capital Thimphu. However, due to Paro’s challenging location between Himalayan peaks, monsoon-season winds, and lack of runway lighting, only a few small aircraft can operate, mostly short-haul flights from nearby Asian cities like Delhi and Bangkok. Gelephu International Airport, with its 123-flight capacity, will provide a crucial gateway for Bhutan, offering better access for visitors and supporting the country’s economic and security needs.
Gelephu, already home to a small domestic airport, was chosen for the new international airport due to its flat terrain, allowing for
The king stated that Bhutan, with a population of approximately 750,000, is recognized for leading the way in “high value, low impact” tourism. Travelers to the country are required to pay a $100 daily sustainable development fee, which supports healthcare, education, and other public services in Bhutan. The opening date for Gelephu International Airport has not been confirmed yet. To access more CNN news and newsletters, sign up for an account on CNN.com.
