Vietnam’s Phu Quoc airport expands terminal to welcome more int’l visitors ahead of APEC 2027
Leading Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group said on Wednesday it had invested about VND500 billion (US$19.2 million) in expanding and upgrading Terminal 1 at Phu Quoc International Airport in southern Vietnam, aiming to boost capacity ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027 (APEC 2027).
International tourists arrive at Phu Quoc International Airport, located on Phu Quoc Island in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre
Vietnam prepares to host APEC 2027, with Phu Quoc Special Zone, an island destination off An Giang Province, set as the venue for the event.
A Sun Group representative said Phu Quoc has seen strong growth in international arrivals, prompting the initial investment to expand Terminal 1 and raise its annual capacity to nine million passengers, up 50 percent from 2025.
The project increases the terminal’s floor area from 39,270 square meters to 49,726 square meters, a 26-percent expansion.
Upgrades include more check-in counters, expanded immigration and security screening areas, and larger baggage claim facilities.
Terminal T2 and supporting infrastructure, with a total investment of about VND58 trillion ($2.2 billion), are under construction and scheduled to begin operations in April next year.
The upgrades are intended to help the airport handle higher numbers of international and domestic travelers during peak periods in the years to come.
With increased capacity, technology, and services, Phu Quoc airport is also preparing for major events such as APEC 2027.
Phu Quoc International Airport, located on Phu Quoc Island in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam, has received its first wide-body Airbus A330, connecting the island with major tourism markets including Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, and Australia. Photo: Minh Quoc
In related news, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a new airline brand developed by Sun Group, recently took delivery of its first wide-body Airbus A330, registered VN-A969, to operate long-haul international routes.
The aircraft will connect Phu Quoc with major tourism markets including Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, Australia, and several European destinations.
Tran Minh Khoa, chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Zone administration, said the island is focusing on attracting high-spending international tourists.
“Air travel is the most convenient way to reach Phu Quoc, and wide-body aircraft will enhance transport capacity and service quality,” he added.
According to the An Giang Department of Tourism, the Mekong Delta province has welcomed 23.4 million visitors since the beginning of 2026, including nearly two million international arrivals.
Phu Quoc alone received 8.5 million visitors, with 1.9 million from overseas.
Total tourism revenue across the province was estimated at nearly VND58 trillion ($2.2 billion).
Minh Duy - Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre News