Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Bhutan to Inaugurate Gelephu International Airport, Aiming to Boost Tourism
Bhutan, often recognized as the ‘world’s happiest country’ and known for its pristine landscapes and limited tourism, is poised to open a significant new international airport. The Gelephu International Airport, nestled between India and China, is set to transform travel to this secluded Himalayan kingdom, potentially increasing visitor numbers and offering a unique arrival experience. This new aviation hub is designed with distinctive features, promising a serene and culturally immersive introduction to Bhutan.
Gelephu International Airport: A Gateway to Gross National Happiness
Innovative Design and Facilities
The Gelephu International Airport will distinguish itself with expansive gardens and an innovative open-air forest concept called the Forest Spine. This natural partition will ingeniously separate the domestic and international terminals, creating a seamless blend of nature and architecture.
- Yoga and Wellness Zones: Passengers can expect dedicated yoga spaces, outdoor relaxation areas, and zones for meditation and sound baths, reflecting Bhutan’s emphasis on well-being.
- Unique Architectural Style: The airport’s design showcases a series of wooden diamond-shaped structures, artistically mimicking the majestic mountain ranges that define Bhutan’s landscape.
Expanding International Access
While Bhutan already possesses Paro International Airport, primarily serving short-haul flights due to its challenging mountainous location, Gelephu will become the nation’s second international aviation facility. Currently, direct flights from the UK to Bhutan are unavailable, but this new airport could pave the way for increased accessibility and potentially attract more tourists, including those from Britain.
Capacity and Tourism Ambitions
Gelephu International Airport is designed to handle a substantial volume of air traffic, with the capacity for up to 123 flights daily and a maximum annual passenger throughput of 1.3 million. This is an ambitious goal for a nation that currently welcomes approximately 316,000 tourists each year, suggesting Bhutan’s aspirations for growth in the tourism sector.
Embracing Bhutanese Culture and Well-being
Design Reflects National Ethos
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the architecture firm behind the airport’s design, stated that the project aims to embody Bhutan’s core philosophy of ‘Gross National Happiness.’ This unique index prioritizes citizens’ holistic well-being as a key indicator of national progress.
Founder Bjarke Ingels elaborated on the design concept, noting, ‘An airport serves as the initial and lasting impression of any destination. For Gelephu International Airport, our endeavor has been to encapsulate the essence of Bhutan’s nature and culture, and the mindful principles of the city itself.’
‘The verdant forests that blanket the highlands are intentionally extended from the arrival plaza, permeating through the airport structure to the very edge of the tarmac,’ he added, emphasizing the integration of natural elements.
Gross National Happiness Index
Bhutan’s renowned Gross National Happiness Index meticulously evaluates various factors contributing to collective well-being. These encompass psychological wellness, health, education, governance, environmental conservation, time utilization, cultural preservation, living standards, and community vitality.
Project Timeline and Royal Endorsement
Anticipated Opening and Royal Visits
The precise cost of the Gelephu International Airport remains undisclosed. However, estimations indicate a potential investment of up to £178 million, with the anticipated opening slated for 2029.
Bhutan has long held a fascination for the British Royal Family. Notably, King Charles visited in 1998, followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2016, highlighting the enduring appeal of this unique nation.
Bhutan’s Royal Family
Bhutan is also home to its own esteemed royal family, led by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Queen Jetsun Pema has garnered international attention and is often compared to Catherine, Princess of Wales, for her elegance and style.
Often described as ‘the most admired royal couple globally’, King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema are parents to three young children: Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Prince Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, and Princess Sonam Yangden Wangchuck.