Commercial Aviation
Sun PhuQuoc Airways Launches to Boost Viet Nam Tourism and Connectivity
Sun PhuQuoc Airways starts operations, linking Phu Quoc with major cities and planning regional expansion to enhance Viet Nam tourism.
The Vietnamese airlines landscape has a new player, with Sun PhuQuoc Airways officially launching commercial operations on November 1, 2025. As the nation’s first airline dedicated to leisure travel, its arrival signals a strategic shift towards integrating air travel with high-end tourism experiences. Backed by the prominent Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group, the airline is poised to significantly enhance connectivity to Phu Quoc, transforming the island into a premier destination and a bustling regional aviation hub. The timing is strategic, aligning with the start of Phu Quoc’s peak tourism season and the lead-up to the 2026 Lunar New Year, aiming to capture the surging travel demand.
The launch represents more than just the addition of new routes; it embodies a new business model where aviation and tourism are deeply intertwined. Sun PhuQuoc Airways aims to provide passengers with a seamless journey from takeoff to their final destination experience, leveraging the extensive ecosystem of resorts, entertainment complexes, and services offered by its parent company, Sun Group. This approach is designed not only to fill seats but to curate a complete and distinctive travel package, setting a new standard for leisure travel in the region. The airline’s establishment is also a critical piece of infrastructure development as Phu Quoc prepares to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027.
The airline’s operations commenced with a celebratory tone. The first commercial flight, 9G1203, departed from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport at 7:15 a.m. on November 1, carrying 220 passengers to Phu Quoc. The flight was operated by an Airbus A321-200, specifically the aircraft registered as VN-A280. To mark the occasion, passengers were treated to a unique experience, including special “1st Flight” boarding passes, souvenir gifts, and a live violin performance mid-flight. The attention to detail extended to the in-flight service, with pastries provided by the renowned French bakery Maison Kayser, underscoring the airline’s focus on a premium passenger experience from day one.
From its first day, Sun PhuQuoc Airways established a robust initial schedule with three core domestic routes operating three times daily. These routes connect Phu Quoc with both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and also link the country’s two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, directly. In addition to these regular services, a special commemorative flight from Da Nang to Phu Quoc was operated on launch day, with this route slated to begin regular service in March 2026. This initial network provides a solid foundation for the airline’s immediate operational goals.
The carrier begins its journey with a modern and efficient fleet. Initially, it operates a mix of two Airbus A321-200s and one A321-200NX. This choice of aircraft provides a balance of capacity and range suitable for its domestic and near-future international ambitions. The airline has ambitious plans for rapid growth, with intentions to expand its fleet to eight aircraft by the end of 2025. As more deliveries arrive, the A321-200NX is expected to become the cornerstone of the fleet, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
To further enrich the passenger journey, the airline has also introduced two bilingual in-flight publications. The S.P.A Magazine and the S.P.A Visit Phu Quoc travel guide are designed to provide travelers with valuable information and inspiration, reinforcing the airline’s role as a gateway to the attractions of Phu Quoc and other destinations within the Sun Group’s portfolio.
“Today marks a truly special milestone for both Sun Group and Sun PhuQuoc Airways. This is not only the beginning of a new airline, but also the start of a new approach, where aviation and tourism go hand in hand to deliver distinctive travel experiences.” , Nguyen Manh Quan, CEO of Sun PhuQuoc Airways Sun PhuQuoc Airways is built on a clear strategy vision: to create a synergistic relationship between air transport and tourism. This model is designed to enhance Phu Quoc’s appeal by making travel to the island more convenient and integrated with the on-ground experience. To bring this vision to life, the airline has rolled out several promotions, such as “Fly with Joy,” which bundles flights with Sun World admission tickets, and “One Ticket, A Million Joys,” offering significant discounts on services across the Sun Group’s properties in Phu Quoc. This strategy effectively turns a flight ticket into an all-access pass to a broader world of leisure and entertainment.
The airline’s ambitions extend well beyond its initial domestic network. A clear roadmap for expansion is already in place. Domestically, new routes connecting Phu Quoc with Da Nang and Nha Trang Cam Ranh are scheduled to launch in March 2026, further solidifying its national footprint. These connections will link Viet Nam’s key coastal tourism hotspots, creating new travel circuits for both local and international visitors. Looking further ahead, Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to launch its first international services later in 2026. The target destinations include major regional markets such as South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. This international expansion is a crucial step in positioning Phu Quoc not just as a national treasure but as a globally recognized tourism and aviation hub. By connecting the island directly with key international source markets, the airline aims to drive significant growth in inbound tourism.
This strategic growth is about more than just adding destinations; it’s about building a resilient and interconnected network that supports the long-term economic development of Phu Quoc and the surrounding region. The airline’s expansion will play a vital role in strengthening the local economy, creating jobs, and showcasing Viet Nam’s tourism potential on the world stage.
The launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Viet Nam’s aviation and tourism industries. By pioneering a leisure-focused, integrated travel model, the airline is set to redefine the passenger experience and unlock new growth potential for Phu Quoc. Its initial operations and clear, ambitious expansion plans demonstrate a strong commitment to establishing the island as a world-class destination and a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia.
As the fleet grows and the route map expands, the impact of Sun PhuQuoc Airways will likely be felt across the entire tourism value chain. The airline is not merely a mode of transport but a strategic enabler for the Sun Group’s broader vision. Its success could pave the way for similar integrated models in the region, ultimately benefiting travelers with more cohesive and enriching journey options while driving sustainable economic growth for Viet Nam.
Question: When did Sun PhuQuoc Airways begin its commercial flights? Question: What are the initial routes operated by the airline? Question: What is the main strategic goal of Sun PhuQuoc Airways?
Viet Nam Welcomes Sun PhuQuoc Airways to the Skies
A Closer Look at the Inaugural Launch
Initial Network and Fleet
Strategic Vision and Future Horizons
Ambitious Expansion Plans
A New Chapter for Vietnamese Tourism
FAQ
Answer: Sun PhuQuoc Airways launched its first commercial flight on November 1, 2025.
Answer: The airline started with three regular domestic routes: Phu Quoc – Hanoi, Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, all operating three times daily.
Answer: The airline’s primary goal is to develop Phu Quoc as a premier tourist destination and a regional aviation hub by integrating air travel with the Sun Group’s extensive tourism and leisure ecosystem.
Sources
Photo Credit: Sun PhuQuoc Airways