Gelephu Airport (GLU)

Recent traveler reviews and experiences at Gelephu Airport (VQGP (GLU)) indicate a limited body of comprehensive feedback, primarily because the airport is undergoing a significant transformation. While the airport was upgraded to international status in September 2023, most detailed information and overwhelmingly positive sentiment pertain to the planned, expanded Gelephu International Airport, which is projected to open in 2029 as part of the "Gelephu Mindfulness City" initiative. Therefore, direct traveler experiences at the currently operating facility are scarce, with much of the "buzz" centered on the future vision.

What Travelers Love (Anticipated Strengths for the Future International Airport):

• Sustainable and Biophilic Design: The upcoming airport is celebrated for its modular timber design incorporating local craftsmanship, natural light, and a "Forest Spine" courtyard to separate terminals. It will feature rooftop solar panels and natural ventilation, aligning with Bhutan's carbon-negative status.
• Focus on Well-being and Mindfulness: The design includes dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and gong-bath therapy, aiming to provide a serene and mindful travel experience.
• Enhanced Facilities and Passenger Experience: Plans envision generous daylit spaces, intuitive wayfinding, panoramic lounges with views of the apron and Himalayas, and upper-level boarding gates alongside retail and food and beverage areas. The terminal is designed for efficient handling of up to 123 flights daily and 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040.
• Improved Connectivity and Infrastructure: The future airport is strategically located near the Indian border and is designed to be a multi-modal transit hub, integrating trackless trams and electric buses for connections to Gelephu town and beyond. It will also feature a longer runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft.