'World's Happiest Country' to Open New International Airport with Yoga Spaces and Forest Gardens
Bhutan, often called the 'world’s happiest country,' is set to open a major new international airport, designed to reflect the country’s deep-rooted connection to nature and well-being.
Not Your Average Airport
Forget the usual stress of airports—Gelephu International Airport is built for relaxation. Passengers will be able to unwind in yoga spaces, meditation areas, outdoor lounges, and even sound bath zones before taking off. In place of the typical sterile terminals, the airport will feature a massive open-air forest, known as the “Forest Spine,” creating a peaceful divide between domestic and international flights.
The airport’s architecture is also a showstopper. Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, it will feature wooden diamond-shaped structures that mirror Bhutan’s stunning mountain landscapes.
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Bhutan is Opening Up—But Not Too Much
Right now, Bhutan’s only international airport, Paro International Airport, can only handle a few flights a day due to its tricky location surrounded by mountains. But Gelephu, located in southern Bhutan near the Indian border, is far more accessible, which means more flights, fewer delays, and smoother journeys.
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With a capacity for 123 flights per day and up to 1.3 million passengers annually, this marks a huge leap for Bhutan, a country that currently sees just 316,000 tourists a year.
Although direct flights from the UK to Bhutan don’t exist yet, this new airport could change that, making Bhutan an easier and even more tempting destination for British travelers.
Designed for Happiness
Situated between India and China, Bhutan is a beautiful and unique country, famous for measuring success differently. Here, it’s not GDP that matters, but GNH: Gross National Happiness. The airport was designed with this philosophy in mind.
“An airport is the first and last impression you get of a place you visit,” said Bjarke Ingels, the mastermind behind the project. “For Gelephu International Airport, we wanted to reflect Bhutan’s culture, nature, and emphasis on mindfulness.”
'World's Happiest Country' to Open New International Airport with Yoga Spaces and Forest Gardens
When Can I Fly There?
The price tag for this ambitious project could reach £178 million, and while the exact timeline is still uncertain, the plan is to open by 2029.
Bhutan has long been a magnet for royals and high-profile travelers—King Charles visited in 1998, and Prince William and Princess Kate explored the country in 2016. With its mix of sustainability, wellness, and stunning natural beauty, Bhutan’s new airport could make it the next must-visit destination for mindful travelers.
Would you visit Bhutan once the new airport opens? Let us know!
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