PHU QUOC, Vietnam – Vietnam’s newest airline, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA), has officially taken to the skies with its first commercial flights to the country’s leading island destination, Phu Quoc. The launch marks a significant milestone for the nation’s aviation sector, introducing Vietnam’s first dedicated leisure carrier and signalling a new phase in the island’s development as a world-class tourism hub.
A member of Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s leading private conglomerates, SPA began operations on Saturday morning with flights linking Phu Quoc, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as a celebratory service connecting Da Nang and Phu Quoc. The inaugural flight, numbered 9G1203, departed Noi Bai International Airport at 7:15 a.m. with 220 passengers on board an Airbus A321, bound for Phu Quoc.
According to the airline, regular service on the Da Nang–Phu Quoc route will commence in March 2026, with plans to further expand the domestic and international network over the coming year. New routes will connect Nha Trang and Da Nang with Phu Quoc, while international services to South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India are slated to follow.
“Today is an incredibly special day for both Sun Group and Sun PhuQuoc Airways,” said Nguyen Manh Quan, CEO of SPA. “It marks not only the launch of a new airline but also a new way of connecting travel and tourism to deliver distinctive experiences.”
Strategic milestone for Vietnam’s tourism industry
The debut of SPA comes as Vietnam seeks to strengthen its appeal as a global leisure destination and enhance air connectivity to emerging resort regions. Sun Group, known for its large-scale tourism and infrastructure projects, has invested heavily in Phu Quoc’s development, including resorts, theme parks, and transport facilities.
The launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, company officials said, represents a natural extension of that strategy — providing an integrated travel experience that links the group’s hospitality assets with air transport.
“By introducing a leisure airline focused on Phu Quoc, Sun Group is positioning itself at the forefront of Vietnam’s tourism-led economic growth,” said an aviation analyst in Hanoi. “This is about building an ecosystem where flights, hotels, and attractions all connect seamlessly.”
A festive first flight
Passengers on the inaugural flight experienced more than just a routine journey. Travellers were treated to signature pastries from French bakery brand Eric Kayser, which also opened its first Vietnamese store on the same day in Phu Quoc’s Sunset Town.
Adding to the celebratory mood, an in-flight musical performance entertained guests, transforming the trip into what organisers called “a celebration in the clouds”.
Upon landing, the aircraft received a water-cannon salute at Phu Quoc International Airport, where crew members and officials greeted arriving passengers with Sunny teddy bears dressed in pilot uniforms, a symbolic gesture marking the airline’s debut.
Supporting a growing travel market
The launch coincides with Vietnam’s peak travel season and anticipates strong demand ahead of the Lunar New Year 2026 holiday period. By offering competitive fares and increased capacity, SPA aims to make Phu Quoc more accessible to both domestic and international visitors.
Industry observers note that Vietnam’s aviation sector has been expanding rapidly, driven by rising middle-class demand and government efforts to promote tourism as a pillar of economic growth. The introduction of a leisure-focused carrier is expected to further diversify the market, providing travellers with more tailored options.
Sun Group has stated that Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ mission goes beyond connecting destinations—it aims to “elevate travel experiences and showcase the best of Vietnamese hospitality in the skies.”
Looking ahead
With ambitious expansion plans for 2026 and beyond, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is positioning itself as a key player in the next chapter of Vietnam’s tourism and aviation growth. As international travel continues to rebound across Asia, the airline’s strategy of linking Vietnam’s top resort island with regional gateways could strengthen Phu Quoc’s standing as a major leisure destination.
For more information, visit https://www.sunphuquocairways.com/gl/en.
“Friendly zombie fanatic. Analyst. Coffee buff. Professional music specialist. Communicator.”
