Under the agreement, CAI – a subsidiary of Changi Airport Group, the operator of the globally acclaimed five-star Changi Airport – will partner with Sun Group across the airport’s full development and operational lifecycle. The scope spans everything from design advisory and embedding operational “DNA” through a comprehensive Concept of Operations (CONOPS), to system implementation, operational readiness, and ultimately full-scale operational management to optimize performance.

CAI will also spearhead the expansion of international flight networks, engaging airlines to broaden market connectivity, while curating a world-class non-aeronautical ecosystem that brings together leading global names in retail, dining, and duty-free.

Pioneering the “airport destination” model in Việt Nam

With this partnership, Phú Quốc International Airport becomes one of the first airports in Việt Nam to be operated under international management, applying the “Changi standard” – a benchmark defined by the pioneering “airport destination” model. This model reimagines the airport not merely as transport infrastructure, but as a destination in its own right: a seamless blend of sightseeing, entertainment, cultural experiences, retail, landmark architecture, and even large-scale festivals.

The approach has been perfected at Singapore Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the world’s top three airports, with more than 670 international accolades and approximately 70 million passengers served in 2025 alone. CAI has since exported this expertise across more than 20 countries and over 60 airports, including major hubs such as Tom Jobim (Brazil), Chongqing (China), Fukuoka (Japan), and Clark (Philippines).

Drawing on this global track record, the partnership is set to elevate Phú Quốc International Airport to world-class status, positioning the island as Việt Nam’s third major international gateway – delivering a distinctive, premium passenger experience from the very first point of arrival.

Establishing an integrated aviation ecosystem

The agreement marks a critical milestone in preparing Phú Quốc’s international gateway infrastructure in time for APEC 2027, while laying the groundwork for the island’s long-term growth.

Currently, in the run-up to a major national-level diplomatic event, Sun Group is fast-tracking the expansion of Phú Quốc International Airport – a 4E ICAO-standard facility spanning over 1,050 hectares. The expansion includes a second runway, a new international terminal (Terminal 2), a dedicated VIP terminal, along with apron expansion and supporting infrastructure. Once completed, the airport’s capacity will reach 24 million passengers per year, with the potential to scale up to 50 million – creating a strong foundation for sustained growth in regional tourism and the broader economy.

Terminal 2, the centerpiece of the project, is distinguished by its striking phoenix-inspired architecture, designed by internationally renowned firms CPG Consultants (Singapore) and Artelia Airport (France). It will be equipped with cutting-edge airport technologies, including a Total Airport Management (TAM) system, contactless biometric passenger processing, an advanced baggage handling system (ICS), and other automated solutions – positioning it among the world’s leading smart airport terminals.

When operational, the airport will be fully integrated with Sun Group’s wider aviation–tourism ecosystem in Phú Quốc, which includes Sun PhuQuoc Airways, luxury resorts, entertainment complexes, and signature shows. Together, these elements will transform the airport from a transit point into the gateway to an exclusive, end-to-end travel experience – one designed to extend visitor stays, boost tourism spending, and help Phú Quốc emerge as a new aviation and tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Eugene Gan, CEO of Changi Airports International, commented: “We are deeply impressed by Sun Group’s vision for Phú Quốc as an emerging destination. The synergy between CAI’s airport operational expertise and Sun Group’s large-scale tourism and entertainment ecosystem will provide a solid foundation to develop Phú Quốc Airport into a new regional airport destination.”

The partnership underscores Sun Group’s long-term strategy to build an integrated aviation–tourism ecosystem. This model is expected to set a benchmark for future airport developments where Sun Group has been appointed as investor, including Phan Thiết Airport, as well as master planning for airports in Con Dao and Rach Gia – ensuring a synchronized approach that aligns infrastructure, operations, and passenger experience. The ambition is to establish a new standard for Việt Nam’s aviation and tourism industry on the international stage.