HCMC – The Ministry of Construction has urged Kien Giang Province to accelerate plans to upgrade and expand Phu Quoc International Airport under public-private partnership (PPP). The expansion aims to accommodate rising travel demand and support preparations for the 2027 APEC Summit.
In an official document sent to local authorities, the ministry emphasized the need for swift action in securing in-principle investment approval and completing the necessary legal procedures. It also recommended close coordination with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies to facilitate the transfer of airport infrastructure assets to Kien Giang Province for project implementation.
The provincial government has been tasked with reviewing investor proposals and selecting a suitable partner in line with regulatory requirements and the project timeline, ensuring the airport is ready for the 2027 APEC Summit on Phu Quoc Island.
Several leading private companies, including Imex Pan Pacific (IPP) and Sun Group, have already expressed interest in the project. In its proposal, Sun Group outlined plans to upgrade the airport to a Level 4E facility, featuring a passenger terminal capable of handling 18-20 million passengers annually and a cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons. The proposal also includes a dedicated VIP terminal of approximately 6,000 square meters, designed to accommodate high-level events such as APEC.
Sun Group has proposed upgrading the existing runway to 3,500 meters in length and 45 meters in width, while also constructing a second runway of the same dimensions, along with new taxiways. If selected as the main investor, the company commits to applying advanced technology and completing construction within 16-18 months once site clearance is finalized.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam had previously submitted a capacity expansion plan to the Ministry of Transport, which has been merged into the Ministry of Construction. The proposal aims to increase Phu Quoc International Airport’s capacity to 10 million passengers by 2030, with a further expansion to 18 million by 2050. The plan also includes provisions for a VIP facility to serve the APEC Summit and future international aviation services.
Under the proposed schedule, the existing Terminal 1, which currently accommodates four million passengers annually, will continue to operate for both domestic and international flights. A new Terminal 2 will be constructed to the east, with a capacity of six million passengers per year, while land reserves will be allocated for future expansion as demand grows. By 2050, plans envision the addition of a third terminal for international flights and an increase to 45 aircraft parking slots.
The planned expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport is expected to boost economic growth, enhance the island’s tourism appeal, and strengthen Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure in the years ahead.
