Sun Group has officially assumed responsibility for the management and operation of Phu Quoc International Airport with effect from January 1, 2026, following the completion of all regulatory and licensing requirements under Vietnamese law.
At a formal handover ceremony on New Year’s Day, Sun Airport Corporation (SAC), a subsidiary of Sun Group, received the airport business licence from Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction, alongside approvals for the airport operations certificate and aviation security program from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and the Immigration Department. These approvals enable SAC to operate the airport under a new governance model from the first day of 2026.
The transition comes as Phu Quoc enters its peak tourist season. In the short term, SAC says its priority is to ensure safe, stable and uninterrupted operations while making incremental improvements to passenger services and airport systems.
Initial changes introduced from January include the rollout of an ePass non-stop toll collection system at airport access points, aimed at easing congestion and reducing journey times to and from the terminal. Free wi-fi is also now available throughout the terminal for the first time, supported by upgraded 4G and 5G coverage to improve connectivity for passengers, including international travelers using electronic visa services.
The operator has also enhanced the flight information display system (FIDS), increasing the number of screens and improving interface clarity to provide more accessible real-time flight information. Alongside technology upgrades, SAC is reviewing existing operating procedures and investing in staff development to maintain operational continuity while introducing a revised service culture.
Looking longer term, Sun Group plans a major expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport as part of a wider development program linked to APEC 2027. The expansion, covering more than 800 hectares and designed to ICAO Code 4E standards, includes a second runway, a new international terminal (T2), a VIP terminal, expanded aircraft aprons and supporting infrastructure.
Once the first phase of expansion is completed and commissioned in 2027, the airport’s annual capacity is expected to increase to 20 million passengers. The longer-term vision includes integrating additional commercial, retail and leisure facilities within the airport as traffic grows.
Phu Quoc International Airport is a key gateway to Vietnam’s southern island destinations and has seen sustained growth in both domestic and international traffic. During the recent holiday period, flight volumes were forecast to rise by more than 25% year on year, underlining the importance of the airport’s operational transition and planned capacity upgrades.
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