Phu Quoc Airport Completes Successful Calibration Flight for New Runway

Phu Quoc International Airport, located on the southern Vietnamese resort island of Phu Quoc, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its operational capabilities with the successful completion of calibration flights for its newly constructed runway. The flights were conducted to ensure the safety and accuracy of the Instrument Landing System (ILS/DME) and associated lighting systems. Vo Huu Tri, Head of the Phu Quoc Air Traffic Control Tower, highlighted that Phu Quoc Island frequently experiences rapidly changing weather during the rainy season, including thunderstorms and poor visibility. The commissioning of the new ILS/DME, along with upgraded approach and runway lighting systems, is expected to significantly improve operational safety at the airport. The calibration flight was performed using a Beechcraft B300 King Air 350ER aircraft, registered in the Czech Republic and operated by a joint Vietnamese-Czech flight crew. The aircraft executed a series of approaches to Runway 28R to inspect and calibrate the ILS/DME, approach lighting system, and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), ensuring all equipment meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. According to the project developer, the first flight departed at 6:23 a.m. and landed at 9:56 p.m., while a second sortie took place from 1:06 p.m. to 3:29 p.m. During these flights, engineers performed multiple approach procedures and circular flight patterns around the runway threshold to verify the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the navigation and visual guidance systems. The new runway, measuring 3,300 meters long and 45 meters wide, was completed just eight months after construction began. It is equipped with a modern lighting system being deployed for the first time at an airport in Vietnam, according to the contractor. These technical upgrades are anticipated to enable round-the-clock operations, supporting the airport in accommodating rising passenger numbers and flight frequencies as Phu Quoc prepares for the year-end tourism peak and the APEC Economic Leaders' Week in 2027. The second runway is a key component of the government-approved expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport. Built to ICAO Code E standards, it is capable of regularly handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, and accommodating larger Code F aircraft when needed. The expanded airport is poised to play a vital role in welcoming leaders, delegates, and international visitors from 21 APEC member economies during the APEC Economic Leaders' Week in 2027. Information Source: VnExpress International