Sun PhuQuoc Airways granted approval for international flight operations

On 25 November 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam officially issued the expanded Air Operator Certificate (AOC) permitting Sun PhuQuoc Airways to operate commercial flights to international destinations within the MID/ASIA region after a rigorous evaluation process in accordance with the highest safety standards. This marks a significant milestone as the airline transitions from a domestic carrier to one with full international operating capabilities, unlocking access to fast-growing tourism markets across the region.

With the expanded AOC, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will begin launching its first international routes in March 2026, starting with Seoul – Phu Quoc and Taipei – Phu Quoc, followed by Busan – Phu Quoc in September 2026 and Kaohsiung – Phu Quoc in October 2026. These markets have recorded strong growth in arrivals to Phu Quoc in recent years, forming a strategic basis for the airline’s expansion into major tourism and economic hubs of Northeast Asia.

To ensure the effective rollout of its first international routes, Sun PhuQuoc Airways has appointed GSAs in both key markets. Pacific Air Agency (PAA) – one of South Korea’s most reputable and experienced GSA groups – will represent the airline in Korea, overseeing sales, distribution and market development. In Taiwan, Hongyi Travel Service – the first Taiwanese company to bring tourists to Vietnam since the 1990s and a leading outbound operator – has been selected as GSA, strengthening the airline’s connectivity with Taiwan’s rapidly expanding outbound travel market. Establishing GSAs prior to the route launch enables the airline to proactively build distribution networks, marketing activities and tailored products for each customer segment.

In parallel with securing international operation approvals and expanding into new markets, Sun PhuQuoc Airways continues to reinforce its fleet capacity. On 24 November, the airline’s fourth aircraft — an Airbus A321NX — officially entered commercial service to meet rising travel demand during the peak season. Within December, the airline is also expecting to receive its fifth aircraft, ensuring sufficient capacity for domestic frequency expansion and preparations for international operations in 2026.

Receiving the expanded AOC, completing GSA appointments in South Korea and Taiwan, and accelerating fleet development represent a comprehensive series of strategic steps toward positioning Phu Quoc as a new regional hub for tourism and aviation. The upcoming direct international routes not only enhance market access to two of the largest visitor sources for Vietnam, but also complete a crucial component of Phu Quoc’s integrated tourism ecosystem — where travelers can experience a seamless journey across flights, resorts, entertainment, dining and leisure.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ move into international markets comes at a pivotal time, as Phu Quoc has been selected to host APEC 2027 and is rapidly advancing major infrastructure and urban development projects in preparation for this global event. The airline’s expansion is expected to strengthen the island’s destination competitiveness and attract higher-value visitor segments to Vietnam and Phu Quoc in the coming years.