Gelephu Airport (GLU)

Gelephu Airport (GLU) is a strategically important regional aviation facility located in southern Bhutan, near the border with India. Officially inaugurated in 2012 and in regular use since 2017, the airport is Bhutan's second-largest and serves as a vital gateway to the kingdom's southern plains. The facility features a 1,500-meter asphalt runway and is currently the center of one of the world's most ambitious urban development projects: the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The existing terminal facilities at Gelephu offer a functional and efficient environment for domestic and growing international traffic. Inside, travelers find essential amenities including check-in counters and a comfortable waiting area. However, the airport is poised for a massive transformation as part of the GMC project. A brand-new international airport is projected to open by 2029, featuring a visionary 'mindfulness' terminal designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group. This future facility will blend traditional Bhutanese wood carvings with modern sustainable innovation, including modular timber structures and tranquil meditation green spaces. Scheduled commercial services at GLU are primarily provided by Druk Air, the national carrier of Bhutan. The airline offers regular domestic flights connecting Gelephu to Paro (PBH) and Trashigang (YON). In a major step toward international connectivity, Druk Air has also launched services to Kolkata, India, and Bangkok, Thailand, establishing Gelephu as a new international hub for southern Bhutan. These flights are critical for the region's economic integration, supporting the movement of business travelers, government officials, and tourists drawn to the kingdom's unique cultural and natural landscapes. Ground transportation from Gelephu Airport is well-organized, with taxis and local shuttle services readily available outside the arrivals area to transport passengers to the town of Gelephu. As part of the Mindfulness City initiative, the region is transitioning toward a sustainable mobility hub, with plans for trackless trams and zero-emission public transport. Visitors to the area find the airport's location exceptionally convenient for exploring southern Bhutan's wildlife sanctuaries and the diverse ecosystems of the foothills. Despite its modest current size, Gelephu Airport is destined to become a cornerstone of Bhutan's future as a global hub for sustainable development.