Phu Quoc International Airport Welcomes Over 4.48 Million Passengers, Setting New Record

Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), located on Vietnam's resort island of the same name, has achieved a historic milestone by welcoming over 4.48 million passengers in January 2026. This figure represents a significant year-on-year increase of approximately 38%, translating to over 1.23 million additional passengers compared to the same period last year. This marks the highest passenger volume in the airport's operational history. Beyond passenger numbers, aircraft movements also reached a record high, with 27,919 takeoffs and landings recorded. This surge of over 8,500 movements, a nearly 44% increase from the previous year, underscores the growing allure of Phu Quoc as a tourist destination and solidifies the airport's position as a crucial aviation hub in the region. To ensure smooth operations amidst this surge, the airport's management implemented a series of flexible operational solutions. These included optimizing traffic flow within the terminal, apron, and access roads, and fostering close collaboration with airlines, aviation security, and ground service providers. This proactive approach successfully mitigated the risk of localized congestion, even during peak hours. Service touchpoints at the airport have been comprehensively upgraded to international standards. High-speed Wi-Fi now blankets the terminal, 4G/5G signals have been enhanced, and Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) have been augmented and strategically positioned for optimal visibility. Automated Non-Stop Tolling (ETC) at the airport entrance significantly reduces vehicle transit times. Furthermore, advanced biometric systems and automated gates utilizing facial recognition technology enable passengers to complete security and boarding procedures with unprecedented speed, safety, and contactless efficiency. In a pioneering move, off-airport check-in services have been launched at hotels such as La Festa Phu Quoc (Curio Collection by Hilton) and New World Phu Quoc Resort. Passengers can now complete their check-in, receive boarding passes, and drop off luggage directly at their resorts. Checked baggage is then transported directly to the airport for security screening under strict protocols. This hotel check-in model not only allows passengers to maximize their final hours of vacation but also serves to decongest the terminal by distributing passenger flow remotely. Perhaps most remarkably, this record-breaking growth in passenger traffic occurred concurrently with an intensive airport expansion project. The upgrade, aimed at serving the APEC High-Level Week and supporting Phu Quoc's long-term development, is proceeding with extreme urgency. The most critical component, the 3,300-meter-long second runway, was completed in approximately eight months—an unprecedented construction speed. The runway is now ready for calibration flights before its official commercial operation. Aviation expert Trịnh Như Long, a seasoned manager in air traffic management who has held key positions at the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), described the construction pace as "unprecedented." Mr. Nguyễn Bá Quân, Director of Phu Quoc International Airport, stated, "This is a highly significant construction item within a very tight timeframe, under complex weather conditions, and most importantly, we had to carry out construction while simultaneously operating. Both 2025 and the transition into 2026 will see a dramatic increase in flight movements and passenger volume at Phu Quoc International Airport." The completion of the second runway is the initial key to unlocking a subsequent series of massive infrastructure projects. These include a VIP terminal, Terminal 2, upgrades to the first runway, an aviation fuel depot with an underground hydrant system, an aircraft catering facility, and a large hangar capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft like the A350/B787. With integrated infrastructure, world-class technology, and international service quality, Phu Quoc International Airport is steadily asserting its status as a premier aviation gateway, contributing to the elevation of the "Pearl Island's" image on the global tourism map. By QUỐC TRINH