Vietnam's Phu Quoc airport to undergo major upgrade ahead of APEC 2027

Phu Quoc International Airport in the southern province of Kien Giang will be expanded and upgraded to support local economic development, while ensuring transport infrastructure for hosting the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders' Week.

The Ministry of Construction, in coordination with the People’s Committee of Kien Giang province, has recently held a conference to announce the master plan for the airport for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050.

The airport is planned to cover a total area of approximately 1,050 ha, with a total investment of around VND26.57 trillion (over $1.02 billion) by 2030. An additional VND25.79 trillion will be allocated for the next phase.

At the conference, Uong Viet Dung, director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, stated: “The newly approved plan is a crucial foundation for Kien Giang province to implement synchronized investment projects and modernize the infrastructure of Phu Quoc International Airport. This will not only contribute to the successful hosting of the 2027 APEC Summit but also help establish Phu Quoc city as a premier regional destination.”

According to ADCC, Vietnam’s leading aviation construction consultancy, Phu Quoc Airport will be expanded to accommodate up to 18 million passengers per year by 2027, 4.5 times its current capacity of 4 million. By 2050, the airport is expected to handle up to 50 million passengers annually.

In addition to the existing runway, a second runway will be constructed. The two runways, measuring 3,500 m and 3,300 m respectively, will ensure efficient and safe operations, serving wide-body aircraft and long-haul international flights from Europe and the U.S.

Furthermore, the aircraft apron will be expanded to include 70-80 parking positions, enabling the reception of heads of state and high-ranking leaders during APEC 2027 and facilitating future international events.

A key feature of Phu Quoc Airport will be its passenger terminal, designed by Singapore-based CPG Airport Consultants. The terminal, inspired by a phoenix spreading its wings, symbolizes national pride and prestige.

The terminal will include a bay system to international standards, international and domestic terminals, a shopping mall, and an exhibition area. It will feature cutting-edge technologies such as remote check-in, automated baggage sorting, and biometric identification, reducing entry and exit times to just 15-30 seconds per person.

A newly built VVIP terminal, designed by Italian architect Marco Casamonti – the “father” of Phu Quoc’s iconic Cau Hon project – draws inspiration from the eagle ray, representing freedom and fluidity in the ocean.

The overall airport plan also includes auxiliary facilities, such as a cargo terminal and a radar system.

Previously, Phu Quoc announced a series of strategic projects to prepare for the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders' Week. These include the APEC multi-functional complex featuring a 10,000 sqm Convention and Exhibition Centre, a multi-purpose auditorium, an international press centre, an APEC square, a duty-free shopping area, and an arts and culture palace.

Key infrastructure projects are also underway, including major roads connecting the airport to the city center and urban landscaping developments incorporating smart transport systems, demonstrating Phu Quoc’s commitment to sustainable development leadership.

In 2025, Phu Quoc aims to welcome 7 million visitors, underscoring the urgent need to expand its international airport.

Through the simultaneous implementation of strategic projects, including the airport expansion to accommodate 18 million passengers annually by 2027, Phu Quoc is steadily positioning itself as a rising centre for economics, tourism, and international conferences in the region and beyond.

These developments are not only aimed at serving APEC 2027 but also lay the foundation for Phu Quoc to attract investment, enhance competitiveness, and deepen its integration into the national economy in the years ahead.