Phu Quoc sees surge of new flights, led by VietJet and Vietnam Airlines, as new airport opens

Phu Quoc Island in southwest Vietnam has seen a 60% surge in seat capacity since the opening of a new airport in Dec-2012. More growth is expected over the medium-term as Phu Quoc, which Vietnam is keen to develop into a major tourism destination, looks to attract international services. For now Phu Quoc handles domestic services from three carriers, including Vietjet, which became the first LCC to serve the market on 15-Dec-2012.

Phu Quoc's new airport is designated for international services and can handle widebody aircraft, replacing an older facility which could only accommodate regional aircraft. If it succeeds in attracting international services, Phu Quoc would become Vietnam's fourth airport with international services. It has already grown to become the country's seventh largest domestic airport, jumping two places over the last month, and could become the fourth largest domestic airport if capacity grows by just another 20%.

Flights from the Phu Quoc's old airport, which was served by Vietnam Airlines ATR-72s and Air Mekong Bombardier CRJ900s, moved over to the new facility on 01-Dec-2012. The formal opening of Phu Quoc International Airport took place on 15-Dec with a ceremony attended by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.