Changi Airports International to help develop Phu Quoc as ‘airport destination’

Changi Airports International (CAI) announced it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Vietnam’s Sun Group to develop Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) into the country’s first “airport destination,” blending aviation infrastructure with tourism, retail, and entertainment.

Under the deal, CAI will provide advisory services covering airport operations, commercial performance, air connectivity, and service standards. The partnership comes as Vietnam prepares to host the APEC 2027 Summit, with Phu Quoc expected to welcome global leaders and international visitors.

From 6 million to 50 million passengers

Phu Quoc International Airport handled around 6 million passengers in 2025 and has seen rapid growth in recent years, setting records for international flights during peak travel periods. A government-approved master plan includes a new runway and a second terminal, with capacity projected to reach 24 million passengers annually and scalable to 50 million over the long term.

“Airports today play a far greater role than transportation infrastructure. They are gateways that shape the first impression of a destination,” said Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group. “Through this partnership with Changi Airports International, we aim to develop Phu Quoc International Airport into a true ‘airport destination’ where the travel experience begins the moment visitors arrive.”

Artist’s impression. Phu Quoc International Airport Terminal 2 will support broader aviation and economic growth in the region.Combining complementary strengths

The collaboration brings together CAI’s airport management expertise and Sun Group’s track record in destination development. Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) is widely regarded as a benchmark for operational excellence and passenger experience. At the same time, Sun Group has transformed lesser-known locations across Vietnam into internationally recognized travel hubs.

“We are impressed by Sun Group’s vision for developing Phu Quoc as the next upcoming travel destination,” said Eugene Gan, CEO of Changi Airports International. “Its integrated tourism and entertainment ecosystem provides a strong foundation for the long-term development of Phu Quoc International Airport as a key gateway for the island.”

A blueprint for future projects

The partnership is also expected to serve as a foundation for Sun Group’s broader airport ambitions in Vietnam, including developments in Phan Thiet and master planning for airports in Con Dao and Rach Gia.

Sun Group is also expanding its aviation footprint through Sun Air and Sun PhuQuoc Airways, destination-driven airline models designed to link air connectivity to its tourism ecosystem.

CAI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Changi Airport Group, has worked on more than 60 airports across 20 countries.

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