India to Help Bhutan Develop Gelephu Airport
In a move that could significantly impact Bhutan’s economic landscape, India has committed to assisting in the development of Gelephu airport. The proposed Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Gelephu, spanning 1,000 square kilometers, is poised to receive substantial support for its autonomy and legal independence to secure investments and foster development.
Bhutan has four airports including Paro, Gelephu, Bathapalathang, and Yongphulla airports. Currently, the country operates all its international flights from Paro airport via state carrier Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
Gelephu, strategically located near Bhutan’s boundary with India, is set to undergo a transformation as discussions between the two countries intensify. Plans to expand and develop the airport, currently spanning over 500 acres, are underway, with proposals to increase its size and extend the existing runway.
The Airports Authority of India has confirmed its involvement in talks with Bhutan, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration. While queries to the ministry of external affairs and the Airports Authority of India remain unanswered, sources familiar with the matter have shed light on the ongoing negotiations.
Gelephu’s emergence as a focal point for Bhutan’s economic endeavors has garnered attention, particularly with the vision for the new Gelephu Mindfulness City unveiled during last year’s National Day Address by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. The king emphasized the region’s pivotal role in fostering economic ties between South Asia and Southeast Asia, underscoring the need for enhanced physical connectivity with India.
The proposed SAR in Gelephu holds the promise of reshaping Bhutan’s economic landscape, offering a platform for sustainable growth and development. Seeking Indian investments for essential infrastructure, including airport facilities and road networks, Bhutan aims to position the region as a key economic center in the region.
Efforts to develop Gelephu airport date back to 2012, with the completion of initial work for a domestic airport. However, financial and operational challenges impeded progress until recent developments saw the airport receive an aerodrome certificate from the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority in September 2023, enabling international flights.
India’s involvement in supporting aviation infrastructure extends beyond its borders, with the Airports Authority of India providing assistance to neighboring countries. In 2021, the AAI entered into an agreement with the Bangladesh aviation regulator to bolster infrastructure and manpower capacity, reflecting India’s commitment to regional cooperation and connectivity.
As discussions between India and Bhutan progress, the development of Gelephu airport holds immense potential not only for Bhutan’s economic prosperity but also for fostering closer ties and greater integration within the South Asian region. With both countries invested in realizing this vision, the future of Gelephu as a regional hub for economic growth looks promising.
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