Gelephu International Airport

About

Bhutan’s second international airport, located in Gelephu, is strategically located near the Bhutan-Indian border, surrounded by lush subtropical forests, mountains, and rivers. Spanning 68,000 square meters, it is part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) masterplan, also drawn up by BIG. With the Himalayas as backdrop, the new airport presents a modular, diagrid-type structure in wood, the silhouette of which, from afar, resembles the mountain range. The roof incorporates photovoltaic panels, efficiently harnessing solar energy. The facade takes inspiration from the kachen, a wooden pillar of intricate design that embodies Bhutanese architectural heritage. Every element of solid timber is carved and colored in accordance with traditional craft and carpentry, and adorned with three types of dragons representing the country’s past, present, and future.