The certificate, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam on Nov. 25 following a rigorous evaluation process in accordance with the highest safety standards, permitted the airline to operate commercial flights to international destinations within the MID/ASIA region.
This marks a major milestone in the airline’s transition from a domestic carrier to one with full international operating capabilities, unlocking access to fast-growing tourism markets across the region.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways will start launching international routes to South Korea and Taiwan next year, starting with Seoul-Phu Quoc and Taipei-Phu Quoc in March, followed by Busan-Phu Quoc in September and Kaohsiung-Phu Quoc in October. These markets have seen strong growth in visitors to Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island in recent years, providing a strategic foundation for the airline’s expansion into major tourism and economic hubs in Northeast Asia.
To ensure the effective rollout of its first international routes, the airline has appointed general sales agents (GSAs) in both key markets. Pacific Air Agency, one of South Korea’s most reputable and experienced GSA groups, will represent the airline in that market and oversee sales, distribution and market development.
In Taiwan, Hongyi Travel Service, the first Taiwanese company to bring tourists to Vietnam in the 1990s and now a leading outbound operator, has been selected. This strengthens the airline’s connectivity with Taiwan’s rapidly expanding outbound travel market.
Establishing GSAs prior to the launch of these routes helps the airline develop distribution networks, marketing activities and tailored products for each customer segment.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways has also been bolstering its fleet. On Nov. 24, the airline’s fourth aircraft, an Airbus A321NX, officially entered commercial service to meet rising travel demand during the peak season. This month, the airline also expects to receive another plane.
The airline said these developments are 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 travellers can experience a seamless journey across flights, resorts, entertainment, dining and leisure.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ expansion into international markets comes 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 competitiveness and attract higher-value visitors to Vietnam in the coming years.
