On March 21, Sun Group and Changi Airports International (CAI), a Singapore-based airport operator currently managing Changi Airport, formalised a partnership covering the full lifecycle of Phu Quoc Airport’s development and operations.
The signing ceremony for the strategic cooperation between Sun Group and CAI (Photo: Sun Group).
Under the agreement, CAI will support Sun Group from design consultancy and establishing operational “DNA” through a concept of operations, to system readiness and direct participation in airport management to improve efficiency.
The Singaporean partner will also help expand international flight networks by working with airlines, while developing a high-end non-aviation commercial ecosystem featuring global retail, food and beverage, and duty-free brands.
Perspective of Terminal 2, Phu Quoc International Airport (Photo: Sun Group).
The deal marks a first for Vietnam, with Phu Quoc International Airport set to become the country’s first airport operated by an international partner under the “airport destination” model.
This model, pioneered at Changi Airport, transforms airports into integrated destinations offering entertainment, shopping, cultural experiences and large-scale events, beyond their traditional transport role. Changi Airport has consistently ranked among the world’s top three five-star airports, serving around 70 million passengers in 2025.
Perspective of the VIP Lounge at Phu Quoc Airport (Photo: Sun Group).
The partnership is seen as a key step in preparing Phu Quoc for the APEC Summit 2027 and positioning the island as a major regional aviation and tourism hub.
Sun Group is currently accelerating construction of the Phu Quoc Airport expansion project, covering more than 1,050 hectares and meeting ICAO 4E standards. The project includes a second runway, terminal 2, a VIP terminal, and expanded apron and support infrastructure.
Construction site for the Phu Quoc Airport expansion project (Photo: Sun Group).
Once completed, the airport is expected to handle up to 24 million passengers annually, with potential expansion to 50 million.
Perspective of the departure hall at Terminal 2 (Photo: Sun Group).
Eugene Gan, chief executive of CAI, said the company was impressed by Sun Group’s vision for destination development in Phu Quoc, adding that combining CAI’s operational expertise with Sun Group’s large-scale tourism and entertainment ecosystem would create a strong foundation for the airport to become a new regional destination.