Bhutan, known for its isolation and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, is set to undergo a transformative change with the construction of the Gelephu International Airport. Announced by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the new airport will be located in Gelephu, close to the Indian border, and aims to establish the region as a key aviation hub. The airport is expected to open in 2029, with a capacity to handle 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040 and 5.5 million by 2065. This initiative is part of a larger plan to develop the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a 2500 km² special administrative region. The anticipated cost of the project is around Nu 20 billion (approximately AUD $292 million). Historically, Bhutan has limited tourism to preserve its culture, but recent years have seen a significant increase in visitors, particularly from India, China, and the United States. The new airport is expected to make this remote kingdom more accessible while continuing to prioritize high-value, low-volume tourism.