At present, Phu Quoc International Airport meets ICAO Category 4E standards, with a 3,000-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway and a modern passenger terminal system.

Originally designed to handle around four million passengers per year, the airport has in recent years far exceeded this capacity, welcoming more than five to six million passengers annually. This growth has been driven by a sharp rise in international arrivals from major markets such as the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, Russia, and Europe, underscoring Phu Quoc’s growing appeal as a high-end resort, eco-tourism, and premium travel hub.

To meet rapid development needs and prepare comprehensively for the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be hosted in Phu Quoc, the government has approved the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport under a direct investment and business model.

In June 2025, the People’s Committee of Kien Giang Province granted approval for Sun Airport Corporation (a member of Sun Group) to act as the project’s investor, with total capital of nearly 22 trillion VND. The expansion will be implemented in two phases: 2025–2027 and 2027–2030.

Covering an area of 1,050 hectares, the expansion project aims to upgrade the airport to ICAO Category 4E standards, enabling operations of modern wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350.

The project has been implemented at an exceptionally rapid pace since July 2025. To date, many components have recorded impressive progress, including the clearance of hundreds of hectares of land, large-scale land levelling, and construction of the T2 terminal reaching the fourth floor just months after groundbreaking.

The investor has committed to completing key components such as the second runway by mid-2026, the VIP terminal by the end of 2026, and the T2 terminal by the first quarter of 2027, ensuring readiness to serve APEC 2027. The total investment in the Phu Quoc International Airport project stands at nearly 22 trillion VND.

At present, major components are being implemented in a coordinated manner, with construction volumes increasing rapidly. The T2 terminal has completed its basic structural works, the VIP terminal has reached a high completion rate and is entering the finishing stage, while runway construction is being accelerated, with cumulative realised value estimated at around 2.37 trillion VND. Key milestones include completion of the runway by June 30, 2026; the VIP terminal by September 30, 2026; and the T2 terminal (Phase 1) by December 30, 2026.

At the bustling construction site, the dedication and enthusiasm of workers and engineers stand as vivid proof of solidarity and resilience. Workers engaged in runway construction shared: “We work day and night because we know this project is not just a structure, but the future of the Pearl Island. Every metre of runway completed brings Phu Quoc one step closer to the world.”

Engineers responsible for designing the T2 terminal noted: “With the application of modern technologies from Singapore, we are striving to ensure the terminal is not only beautiful but also smart and environmentally friendly. This is a source of pride for the younger generation of engineers, contributing to the implementation of major policies of the Party and the state.”

Local residents are also filled with joy and anticipation as daily changes take shape. The airport expansion is expected to create jobs, attract more tourists and improve livelihoods. “We are looking forward to APEC 2027, when Phu Quoc will shine and become a source of national pride,” residents said. Such expectations extend beyond economic benefits to a long-term vision of transforming the Pearl Island into an international hub where local generations can learn, grow, and thrive.

Notably, from January 1, 2026, Sun Airport Corporation officially assumed the rights to operate, manage, and run Phu Quoc International Airport from the Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV), under a decision by the Ministry of Construction. This marks an important transition, reflecting stronger socialisation in aviation infrastructure development and opening a new phase of upgrades and automation. During the transition period, the capacity of the existing terminal will be increased to eight million passengers per year, with a long-term target of 20 million passengers annually upon completion of the entire project.

During an inspection of the project on the morning of January 28, 2026, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the province to accelerate land clearance with a long-term vision, in strict accordance with the law and the interests of the people, ensuring that resettled residents enjoy living conditions equal to or better than before.

Regarding construction materials, as this is a key national project, the prime minister directed the application of special mechanisms and policies under Resolution No. 66.4/2025/NQ-CP, allowing direct allocation of mining rights to investors and contractors while preventing misconduct and waste.

Close coordination between the leadership of An Giang Province and Sun Group has been a decisive factor in ensuring the project’s success. Ho Van Mung, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the An Giang People’s Committee, emphasised: “We have been making every effort and working closely with Sun Group to resolve obstacles and accelerate progress. This is our responsibility to the Party, the State and the people, aimed at transforming Phu Quoc into a special island city, contributing to the country’s industrialisation and modernisation.”

The expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport by Sun Group is not merely a transport infrastructure project, but a symbol of development, contributing to the transformation of Phu Quoc into a regional and international centre for resorts, eco-tourism, finance, and innovation.

With a strong sense of responsibility and close cooperation between authorities at all levels and investors, this project will serve as a powerful driver, reinforcing Viet Nam’s position on the global aviation and tourism map and successfully realising the Party and state’s vision of developing Phu Quoc into a special island city and an international tourism hub.