Aviation and Transport

Aviation and Logistics is one of the eight priority industries of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, and it is the pillar built around new infrastructure: the international airport and high-speed rail links to India are planned, and the border position at Gelephu and a complete customs statute are in place. The Customs Act 2025 defines the customs territory as GMC excluding any free trade zone; import and export by air may take place only at customs airports and by rail at customs stations, dutiable goods arriving by air or road are first deposited in a free trade zone, carriers must lodge an inward manifest within 24 hours of arrival and an outward manifest within 48 hours, and licensed warehouses, drawback on re-export and customs rulings are all provided for. Duty rates are set by Gazette order rather than in the Act. A non-resident carrier's profits from passengers, mail or goods loaded in GMC are treated under the Income Tax Act 2025 as accruing in GMC, with an exception for transhipment cargo. Charges over aircraft and equipment are registered within thirty days under the Companies Act 2025, and marine, aviation and transport insurance is a licensed class of insurance under the Financial Services Act 2025. GMC has signalled the strategic and development company rate of not less than 5%, available by approval until 31 December 2030, as the incentive route for this pillar, and the practical advice is to position early.

Basnet Law Pte. Ltd. advises airlines, freight forwarders, warehouse operators, lessors and lenders on operating models around customs airports, stations and free trade zones, warehouse and composite licence applications and customs rulings, manifest and declaration compliance, the carrier tax position, aircraft and equipment finance, carriage and logistics contracts under GMC law, work passes, and disputes.