𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 – 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Bhutan’s challenging terrain has long shaped the country’s development priorities. Roads remain the backbone of connectivity, but they are often vulnerable to monsoon disruptions and landslides. In this context, the government’s decision to explore domestic airstrips is a practical and forward-thinking step. With technical assessments completed for two sites in Samtse and Samdrup Jongkhar, the initiative represents a broader shift in how we think about regional development and national integration.

Short takeoff and landing (STOL) airstrips offer a cost-efficient alternative to full-fledged airports. They can serve as critical infrastructure in times of emergency, whether for medical evacuations, disaster response, or urgent official travel. More importantly, they can unlock economic potential in places that remain poorly connected by road. A functioning airstrip in a district can catalyze business activity, enable faster movement of goods and people, and stimulate local tourism by reducing the travel burden for domestic and international visitors alike.

But the benefits of such infrastructure go beyond logistics. They carry symbolic weight. When a remote gewog receives an air connection, it signals inclusion. It tells the people that they matter in the national development agenda. For a small country like Bhutan, where unity is not just geographical but deeply cultural, these signals are important. They help bridge the urban rural divide and reinforce the state’s presence in the peripheries.

Yet, any infrastructure project comes with real and potential costs. Environmental impact, land acquisition, and fair compensation need thoughtful handling. In districts where wetlands are acquired, the state must be proactive in offering clear, transparent mechanisms for land replacement or valuation. Equally important is involving communities early in the planning process. Development that informs and listens builds trust.

Given the progress seen in the current two sites, it is time for the government to consider additional locations in other far flung and strategic districts. Places like Lhuentse, Zhemgang, and Trashiyangtse remain difficult to access for much of the year. These districts have untapped cultural and ecological assets that, with the right connectivity, could generate sustainable economic opportunities. Airstrips can also support decentralization efforts by easing access to district headquarters and enabling faster service delivery from central agencies.

The current initiative should not be seen as isolated, but as the beginning of a wider national conversation on mobility and equitable development. Bhutan must build an air connectivity strategy that is guided by regional need, technical feasibility, and community ownership. Expanding the network of airstrips is not just about transport. It is about building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Bhutan.