India and Bhutan are in discussions to expand and develop Gelephu airport, situated near Bhutan’s border with India. This initiative is crucial as Bhutan aims to position Gelephu as a hub for economic investments in South Asia. A master plan for the airport’s expansion, involving enlarging its size and extending the existing runway, has been prepared. The Airports Authority of India is currently engaged in talks with Bhutan to contribute to the development of Gelephu airport. These discussions are at an early stage.
Gelephu has become a focal point for Bhutan’s efforts to integrate with the global economy. During the previous year’s National Day Address, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk outlined plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City. The region’s strategic location, connected via land from Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar through Assam and Northeast Indian states to Southeast Asian nations, positions it as a vibrant economic corridor linking South Asia to Southeast Asia.
To enhance physical connectivity with India, including road and railway linkages, the expansion and development of Gelephu airport align with Bhutan’s economic ambitions. The proposed Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Gelephu, with autonomy and legal independence, aims to attract investments and develop a 1,000 sq. km project.
Bhutan is seeking Indian investments for essential physical infrastructure, including the airport and roads, to facilitate the development of the SAR. Discussions with GMR indicate potential collaboration for the SAR’s development, equipped with the necessary infrastructure to transform the region into a key economic center.
Bhutan currently operates international flights primarily from Paro airport via state carrier Druk Air. The initial work on Gelephu’s domestic airport was completed in 2012, but financial and operational challenges were faced over the years. Recently, the airport received an aerodrome certificate from the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority in September 2023 for international flights.
The Airports Authority of India has been involved in supporting aviation in other countries. In 2021, AAI agreed to assist the Bangladesh aviation regulator in enhancing its capacity regarding infrastructure and skilled manpower.
