𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐦

… 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Tashi Tshewang

Bhutan is moving forward with plans to expand domestic air connectivity through the construction of two new airstrips, one in Yoeseltse, Samtse, and the other in Samrang, Samdrup Jongkhar. The proposal has drawn both anticipation and concern, as the government promotes it as a step toward improving access to remote regions and enhancing economic opportunities, while communities and civil society groups highlight the need to address environmental impacts, land acquisition, and long-term sustainability.

The airstrips are intended as a cost-effective alternative to full-scale airports, making use of short takeoff and landing aircraft. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), the proposal is part of a broader infrastructure development strategy. Out of the seven locations initially assessed for airstrip construction, only Yoeseltse and Samrang were found to be technically viable. Based on these findings, the Lhengye Zhungtshog directed the MoIT on November 26, 2024, to carry out a detailed evaluation of the two sites.

The Department of Air Transport, working with the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority, Drukair, the National Land Commission, and the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology, conducted a comprehensive technical feasibility study. The report, submitted on April 24, 2025, focused on topographical and meteorological suitability. The study was carried out by in-house technical experts with support from relevant stakeholders. The ministry is now reviewing the findings to determine the next steps.

In Yoeseltse Gewog, local leaders and residents have responded positively to the project, while also raising practical concerns. Tashi Jamtsho, the Gup of Yoeseltse Gewog, said, “Generally, people are quite hopeful about the upcoming airstrip in Yoeseltse. It is seen as a positive step toward development. While around 70 acres of wetland may be affected and a few households could be impacted, the overall response from the community has been supportive. However, we have not yet received any official directives regarding displacement or compensation.”

He said the Gewog administration is ready to advocate for the interests of affected residents. As industries from Gelephu and Phuentsholing are expected to expand into Samtse and Norbugang, the Gup sees the airstrip as an opportunity to prepare for future economic growth. He added, “Once the airstrip is approved, we expect a rise in business activities and population growth in the region. This will open up more entrepreneurial opportunities and jobs for our youth. At the same time, we want the government to consider replacing the acquired wetland with suitable land or provide cash compensation based on the appreciated market value. Our focus is on ensuring that development is fair, inclusive, and beneficial to all.”

In Samrang Gewog, the outlook is also hopeful. Jigme Singye Drukpa, the Gup of Samrang Gewog, shared, “Most of the people here are genuinely happy about the proposed airstrip. They believe it will bring significant economic growth and expand our local market. The airstrip is planned to cover about 168 acres, but only 10 acres of private land will be affected, involving just one household. The rest is mostly fallow land, so the impact on residents is minimal.”
He said the Gewog administration has taken proactive steps to anticipate potential challenges. “We have kept reserve land to offer as replacement for anyone who might lose their land. We are also looking beyond just connectivity. Eco-tourism has been proposed as part of this development so that growth happens naturally and sustainably. Most importantly, this project has the potential to create jobs and open markets, especially for our youth. I really wish to see the airport become a reality. It will truly support the overall development of the region.”

In Koenchhogling, Parmila Tamang, the Tshogpa, said that while no formal public consultation has taken place yet, the community is hopeful about the project. “So far, we have not received any official directive from the higher authorities to conduct any public consultation meetings regarding the proposed airstrip. However, from what I hear, the community is genuinely happy that the airstrip is coming right to their doorstep. People are optimistic about the potential benefits it could bring to our area.”

The Tshogpa said the project has raised hopes of improved economic conditions in the community. “The local community sees this as a much-needed economic boost. With industries from Gelephu and Phuentsholing expanding towards Samtse, the airstrip could provide new livelihood opportunities, from employment to small-scale businesses. The increase in population and improved connectivity could also help lower the poverty index in our dzongkhag, which is something we all look forward to.”

Arjun, a long-time resident of the area, expressed similar sentiments. “I am feeling quite positive about the opportunity for Samrang Gewog to have such a development. We have been living here for many years, and it’s encouraging to finally see some attention being given to our region. An airstrip could bring real change, not just in terms of connectivity, but also in boosting local business, attracting visitors, and creating jobs for our youth.”

He also noted the need for better communication from authorities. “So far, we have only heard about Phase I and II of the reports, and a survey was conducted. But there hasn’t been any official consent or detailed communication from the Gewog administration. People are curious and hopeful, but we’d like to be more involved in the process and understand clearly how it might affect our lives, especially those whose land may be impacted.”

As the feasibility studies have been completed and await government action, the project now stands at a critical juncture. While the government sees the new airstrips as a strategic step to unlock economic growth and strengthen regional connectivity, the success of the initiative may rest on how effectively it addresses the concerns of the communities that will be most directly affected.