His Majesty the King’s Royal address at the 117th National Day was a profound call to action—a clarion call for all Bhutanese people to embrace collective responsibility to build a bright future.
Outlining the timeframe for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), His Majesty said that the construction of the International Airport in Gelephu will begin next year, and will be completed by 2029. As His Majesty called the GMC Airport a People’s Project—a nation-building endeavour.
As such, the GMC Airport will play a pivotal role in shaping the success of the GMC. As an aviation hub for Bhutan, it will serve as a vital economic lifeline and a cornerstone of our national security. For a landlocked nation like Bhutan, such infrastructure is indispensable in ensuring connectivity, resilience, and sovereignty.
Yet, this project transcends its physical dimensions. It is a litmus test for the Bhutanese people’s ability to successfully undertake such large-scale projects. If we can build this airport together, we will not only establish the foundation of the GMC but also showcase Bhutan’s potential to the world.
This success will inspire confidence among foreign investors who are keeping a close eye on us.
The GMC Airport presents an extraordinary opportunity for Bhutanese both at home and abroad to contribute to a national project that will define our time. For some 40,000 Bhutanese diaspora in Australia and many more across the US, Canada, and other countries, the airport is not just an opportunity to contribute financially but also express faith in His Majesty’s vision and our shared commitment to nation-building.
Bhutanese overseas have already pledged USD 140 million towards this important nation-building effort. In the days and weeks to come, we hope this pledge will turn into substantial investment support for the airport project. Even small investments from individuals can make a huge difference when aggregated.
The success of this People’s Project will also depend on the efficiency of systems and processes. The Gelephu Investment and Development Corporation and the Oro Bank must ensure that every step—from account opening to transactions—is seamless.
Having been accustomed to highly efficient banking systems abroad, the Bhutanese diaspora expects nothing less than that even in Bhutan. A few initial hiccups in online systems, reported by some, must be swiftly addressed.
In addition, there is also a need for a responsive and well-trained customer support team to manage queries and guide those who need help. Clear communication will solve a lot of problems and encourage wider participation.
While contributions from the diaspora are crucial, it is equally important to create opportunities for Bhutanese living within the country.
The most inspiring aspect of the Royal address was His Majesty’s pledge to involve his own children in the development of the airport. Both symbolically and metaphorically, the image of royal children rolling up their sleeves and working at the airport site evokes a deep and powerful sense of purpose and determination.
This is our moment to make history—our opportunity to demonstrate what we can collectively achieve as a people, as a nation. Let us all rise to the occasion.