Phu Quoc International Airport Nears Operational Readiness for New Runway

Phu Quoc International Airport, located on the resort island of Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam, is in the final stages of preparation for the operational launch of its newly constructed second runway. A calibration flight is scheduled for July 27 to assess the accuracy of its aviation lighting and navigation systems. Technicians are meticulously inspecting the approximately 1,500 aviation lights, 400 airfield signs, and related electrical equipment installed on the runway, checking illumination intensity, direction, and synchronized operation. Alongside the runway itself, taxiways, aprons, and other auxiliary infrastructure are also being completed to meet operational requirements. The second runway measures 3,300 meters in length and 45 meters in width, meeting the standards for regular operations of wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. Construction was completed in approximately eight months, with six months dedicated to structural and pavement work, and the remaining two months to the installation, connection, and calibration of aviation equipment systems. Construction on the island presented numerous challenges, including the sea transportation of heavy machinery and specialized materials, maintaining operations at the existing airport, and coping with adverse weather conditions during the rainy season. To meet the schedule, contractors worked continuously in multiple shifts, deploying a large workforce and equipment. Nguyen Ba Quan, Director of Phu Quoc International Airport, stated that the unit is finalizing plans for integrated operations between the second runway, taxiways, aprons, and the under-construction Terminal 2 (T2). This will ensure the safe reception of wide-body aircraft and facilitate special flights when necessary. According to future plans, upon completion of the expansion, Phu Quoc International Airport will feature two runways and modern infrastructure, preparing it to host the APEC Summit in 2027 and meet Phu Quoc Island's growing air travel demand. The long-term goal is to achieve a passenger handling capacity of 50 million per year.