Capable of handling 123 daily flights, the design proposed by BIG plans to receive 1.3 million passengers per year by 2040, rising to 5.5 million passengers by 2065.
An installation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale will feature a diamond-shaped wooden piece that mirrors the airport’s façade. Sculpted in real time, half by a Bhutanese artist and half by machine, the exhibition fuses tradition and innovation, celebrating Bhutan’s woodcarving heritage while exploring the role of technology in preserving and advancing the craft.
Set against a backdrop of the Himalayas, the airport’s diagrid structure is crafted from locally and sustainably sourced timber and adorned with traditional Bhutanese woodcarvings by local artists. The painted façade draws inspiration from the ‘Kachen,’ a wooden pillar revered for its structural significance and intricate design, embodying Bhutanese architectural heritage and spiritual symbolism.
Gelephu International Airport by BIG. Rendering by BIG.
Gelephu International Airport by BIG. Rendering by BIG.
Designed to accommodate GMC’s projected growth, the airport’s timber frames are structurally independent, allowing for simple disassembly and expansion. The airport’s roof features PV panels, in line with Bhutan's position as a carbon-negative nation.
"An airport is the first and last impression you get of a place you visit. For the Gelephu International Airport, we have tried to embody the nature and culture of the country and the Mindfulness City. The forests that cover the highlands are allowed to flow from the arrival plaza through the airport all the way to the tarmac. Tropical trees provide shade for travellers, and the forest courtyard lines the main functions of immigration, security, and luggage.
The airport architecture is composed of modular mass timber frames providing flexibility and expandability, resembling a stylized mountain range at a distance. Upon closer inspection, all the mass timber members are carved and coloured 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.
For me personally, this unusual embrace of traditional craft and colour is a true testament to how affected I have been by my encounter with Bhutan - the country, its culture, and its people."
Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director, BIG.
Gelephu International Airport by BIG. Rendering by BIG.
Harmoniously blending into the surrounding natural terrain, the arrival plaza is designed as a series of four zones each dedicated to specific plants found within the forests in Gelephu. A gathering space features paving made from local natural stone and integrated seating areas, while abundant greenery and a canopy protect from the elements.
Bhutan's biodiversity corridors are pulled into the airport and its interior courtyard. Aptly named the Forest Spine, the courtyard divides the terminal into two sections, with domestic flights on the west side and international flights to the east.
Every aspect of the Gelephu International Airport is a celebration of Bhutanese culture, showcasing regional craftsmanship including Shing-Zo (carpentry), Par-Zo (carving), Lha-Zo (painting), and Tshar-Zo (traditional weaving techniques). The traditional Bhutanese carvings extend from exterior to interior, and the spaces offer expansive views of the apron and the dramatic Himalayan landscape.
Gelephu International Airport by BIG. Rendering by BIG.
Adapting to the subtropical climate of Southern Bhutan, the airport incorporates climate-responsive, passive designs seen in traditional Bhutanese architecture. Its wooden structure absorbs moisture from the air, helping to regulate indoor humidity, while ventilated roofs and courtyards encourage natural airflow. Outside, extended eaves provide shade and protect against heavy rainfall. The airport will also become Bhutan’s first in-land mobility hub, promoting the use of public transportation with easily accessible trackless trams and buses that connect to Gelephu’s revitalized town centre and the rest of the country.
Grounded in Bhutanese culture, the Gelephu International Airport aims to establish itself as a global gateway into GMC. The airport is set to open in 2029.
