Bhutan’s Gelephu International Airport, a key component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan, blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Developed in collaboration with aviation firm NACO, the airport spans 731,945 square feet and will serve as a major aviation hub near the Bhutan-India border. By 2040, it is expected to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually, with capacity growing to 5.5 million by 2065.
“This airport is essential for the success of the GMC as a business hub, and it is also a critical lifeline for Bhutan’s national security, especially for a landlocked country,” says Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, king of Bhutan.
The terminal’s modular diagrid structure, made from sustainably sourced glulam timber, features intricate Bhutanese carvings inspired by the ‘Kachen’ pillar. Its façade reflects Bhutanese architectural heritage while incorporating PV panels to align with the nation’s carbon-negative commitment. Designed for expansion, its independent timber frames allow for easy disassembly and growth.
“For the Gelephu International Airport, we wanted to create an experience that feels deeply Bhutanese—calm, welcoming, and connected to nature,” says Frederik Lyng, BIG partner. “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.”
At its heart, the Forest Spine courtyard divides the terminal into domestic and international sections, maintaining a connection to nature with tranquil green spaces, a treetop walkway, and indigenous flora. The arrival plaza, shaded by native trees, features local stone paving and seating areas, creating a serene entry point for travelers.
“The airport architecture is composed of modular mass timber frames providing flexibility and expandability, resembling a stylized mountain range at a distance,” says Bjarke Ingels, BIG founder and creative partner. “Upon closer inspection, all the mass timber members are carved and colored according to traditional craft, adorned with three types of dragons representing the past, present, and future of Bhutan. The result is traditional yet avant-garde, forward-reaching and rooted.”
Incorporating passive design principles from traditional Bhutanese architecture, the terminal optimizes natural ventilation, controls humidity through moisture-absorbing wood, and extends eaves for shade and rain protection. It will also serve as Bhutan’s first in-land mobility hub, promoting public transportation with trackless trams and buses linking Gelephu to the rest of the country.
An installation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale will showcase a timber diamond piece from the airport’s façade, with one half sculpted by a Bhutanese artist and the other by machine—merging heritage with technological advancement.
Gelephu International Airport is scheduled to open in 2029.
