Bhutan officials have selected a master plan by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for building a new runway for the Gelephu Airport. Under the master plan, a new 3,000-meter-long runway will be built at around 50 to 60 meters above the current runway. The master plan provides an option to extend the runway in the future to 3,500 meters.

An extended runway will allow for landings by the Airbus 320, Airbus 321, and Airbus 350. Extending the runway to 3,500 would also allow the airport to accommodate landings by the Airbus 380.

Under the master plan, the 1,500-meter-long runway may be used while construction for the new runway is ongoing. Ensuring the continuous service by the Gelephu Airport is needed for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

Initial estimates place the project cost to between BTN8 billion and BTN20 billion (approximately $95.8 million to $239.5 million).

The Gelephu Airport was recently certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization to allow the airport to be used for flights to nearby international destinations, such as Bagdora, Guwahati, and Kolkata in India.

• ADB masterplan model selected for Gelephu Airport