Sun Group and Changi Airports International (CAI) have signed a strategic agreement to operate Phu Quoc International Airport. The deal was finalised on March 21 2026 and marks the first time an international partner will manage a Vietnamese airport under “Changi standards.” This partnership introduces the “airport destination” model, which treats the facility as a location for entertainment and retail rather than just a transit point. CAI is a member of the group that runs the award-winning Singapore Changi Airport.

The Singaporean firm will be involved in every stage of the airport’s lifecycle. This includes advisory on design, system implementation and full operational management to ensure international 5-star standards. The project aims to build a non-aeronautical ecosystem featuring global duty-free brands and luxury dining. This approach follows the success of Singapore Changi Airport, which served roughly 70 million passengers in 2025. CAI has already exported this model to over 60 airports across 20 countries.

Major infrastructure work is already underway to prepare the island for the APEC 2027 summit. The expansion includes a second runway, a VIP terminal and a new international Terminal 2. This new terminal is designed by CPG Consultants and Artelia Airport with a look inspired by the mythical Phoenix. It will feature biometric passenger processing and advanced automated baggage systems. Once these upgrades are finished, the airport will be able to handle 24 million passengers annually, with long-term plans to reach 50 million.

“We are impressed by Sun Group’s vision for developing Phu Quoc as the next upcoming travel destination. Its integrated tourism and entertainment eco-system provides a strong foundation for the long-term development of Phu Quoc International Airport as a key gateway for the island. We look forward to contributing our expertise to enable Sun Group to create a world-class airport experience,” said Mr Eugene Gan, Chief Executive Officer of CAI.

This partnership is a central part of Sun Group’s plan to create a linked aviation and tourism network. It includes their own airline, Sun Phu Quoc Airways, and various luxury resorts. The group intends to use this model as a template for future airport projects in locations like Phan Thiet, Con Dao and Rach Gia. By improving the passenger experience from the moment of arrival, the partners hope to increase tourism spending and visitor stay lengths on the island.