Bhutan is constructing Gelephu International Airport, designed by renowned architecture firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) in collaboration with Arup and Cistri, scheduled to open in 2029 as part of the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan.
The 68,000-square-meter terminal near the Bhutan-India border features a modular diagrid structure made from locally sourced glulam timber, designed to resemble "a stylized mountain range" set against the Himalayas backdrop.
According to BIG founder Bjarke Ingels, the airport will be adorned with traditional Bhutanese woodcarvings by local artists depicting three types of dragons representing Bhutan's past, present, and future, creating a design that is "traditional yet avant-garde."
The mindfulness-focused terminal includes indoor and outdoor lounges specifically designed for yoga, gong baths, and meditation, along with a central Forest Spine courtyard that divides domestic and international sections while providing abundant natural light.
Built with climate-responsive passive design features, the airport will accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040 and handle 123 flights daily, incorporating moisture-absorbing timber structures, natural ventilation systems, and rooftop solar panels for sustainable operations.
