According to records, Phu Quoc International Airport served 767 flights (1,534 take-offs and landings), including 371 domestic flights (742 take-offs and landings), 396 international flights (792 take-offs and landings), with total volume increasing 46% compared to the same period of Tet 2025. Total passengers reached 260,473, including 116,830 domestic passengers and 143,643 international passengers, a total increase of 37% compared to the previous year.
This is the peak Tet holiday period with the strongest growth since the airport became operational in 2012, and also a large-scale load test since the Port was handed over for operation to Sun Group corporation.
Record growth during the 9 peak days
Throughout the Tet holiday, operational volume at Phu Quoc International Airport developed with an increasing trend and remained high for many consecutive days. The period before and immediately after New Year's Eve recorded a strong increase in arrivals to the island, especially in the international segment. Total flight and passenger volume reached an unprecedented peak with 188 take-offs and landings with over 33,000 passengers on February 22nd (the 6th day of Tet).
The proportion of domestic flights increased as people and tourists simultaneously returned to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and major cities to return to work at the end of the holiday. On the 5th day, there were 92 flights (184 take-offs and landings), and on the 6th day, there were 94 flights (188 take-offs and landings) that took off and landed at the Port, numbers unprecedented in the history of this airport's operation. The operational pressure therefore focused on clearing departing passengers, especially during the afternoon and evening peak hours.
A notable point is that the volume did not decrease sharply after the peak but remained high for many consecutive days. This indicates that the traffic was densely distributed throughout the entire holiday period in Phu Quoc, posing a requirement for sustainable load capacity instead of just handling a few peak days.
Solving the problem of continuously high load pressure
In the context of strong and prolonged volume for 9 consecutive days, the problem posed is not just meeting sufficient manpower or opening more check-in counters, but reorganizing the entire operational system in a proactive, flexible direction and capable of "high load capacity".
At the terminal area, passengers check in early to catch their flights. However, instead of images of crowding or prolonged congestion, the terminal space remained orderly and neat. Check-in counters were opened to their maximum capacity according to actual demand; regulatory forces were on standby at the security screening and baggage claim areas.
According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Quan – Director of Phu Quoc International Airport, Sun Airport Corporation (the operator of Phu Quoc International Airport), this year's peak season was prepared for early with many specific operational scenarios.
“ Right before Tet, we developed operational plans according to each volume level. When traffic increased, the system switched to a ready state without being passive. The focus was on reasonable traffic flow, increasing personnel at key positions, and flexible operation according to each time slot ”, Mr. Quan said.
Under conditions of a 46% increase in flight volume, the decisive factor lies not only in the Port's internal strength but also in the coordination among the forces operating here..3477db49.jpg)
Before the Tet peak season, the Port chaired meetings with agencies and units including the Phu Quoc Aviation Authority, Phu Quoc International Airport Border Guard Police (A08), Phu Quoc International Border Gate Customs, International Health Quarantine, the Air Traffic Control Tower, and airlines to agree on operational plans.
A representative from the Phu Quoc Aviation Authority shared: “ The coordination between units this year was organized tightly from the beginning. We maintain a rapid information exchange mechanism to promptly handle arising situations, ensuring absolute security and safety throughout the peak season. ”
Meanwhile, a representative from the Phu Quoc International Airport Border Guard Police (A08) stated that passenger control measures have been strengthened but still ensure smooth flow, preventing prolonged congestion at the screening area.
Alongside human resource management, the Port is promoting technological solutions to support passengers. Wi-Fi systems cover the entire terminal; 4G/5G signals are enhanced; flight information display screens are added and the interface is optimized.
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From early 2026, the automatic non-stop toll collection method at the airport entrance and exit area will also be implemented, contributing to reducing vehicle congestion during peak hours. Cleaning and Tet decoration work is maintained synchronously and continuously, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere for passengers.
“My family returned to Hanoi after the holiday. The airport was quite crowded but the procedures were fast, and the staff were very enthusiastic in their support. The space was clean and had a Tet atmosphere, so it felt very pleasant ”, shared Ms. Minh Anh, a passenger on the flight on the 5th day of Tet.
With 767 flights (1,534 take-offs and landings) and over 260,473 passengers during the 9 days of Tet, Phu Quoc International Airport not only recorded impressive growth but also demonstrated its system organization capabilities under high-intensity operations. When production increased by double digits but operations remained stable, it is a signal that the system is well-organized and professional.
In the context of Phu Quoc aiming to become an international coastal city and preparing for large-scale events in the near future such as APEC 2027, effectively controlling peak periods like the Lunar New Year holiday is like a foundational test, allowing Phu Quoc International Airport to confidently welcome the future as an independent international gateway.
