The signing ceremony took place in Mumbai on May 7 in the presence of senior officials from both countries.
As bilateral trade has doubled over the past decade following the elevation of Vietnam -India relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, air connectivity has also expanded rapidly, with nearly 90 weekly flights currently operating between the two countries.
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Party General Secretary and President To Lam’s state visit to India. Photo courtesy of organizers |
Under the agreement, Sun Group and GMR Group will cooperate across Sun Group’s airport ecosystem in Vietnam, including airports in Phu Quoc, Van Don, and Phan Thiet, as well as future airport projects.
The partnership will focus on airport operations, development, and investment, including commercial aviation services, non-aeronautical operations, and duty-free retail. Both sides said the framework also allows for future expansion into related aviation infrastructure sectors.
The companies will additionally explore opportunities to strengthen air connectivity between Vietnam and India, including potential new routes linking Phu Quoc with airports across GMR Group’s network.
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Representatives of Sun Group and GMR Group at the signing ceremony on May 7. Photo courtesy of Sun Group |
With more than two decades of experience in aviation infrastructure, GMR Group develops and operates airports across India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Greece, including Indira Gandhi International Airport. Airports under its management and development have a combined annual passenger capacity of about 190 million travelers.
The partnership is expected to support operational standards and service quality across Sun Group’s airport network while strengthening the role of these airports as gateways to Vietnam’s tourism destinations.
Sun Group currently operates Phu Quoc International Airport under its “destination airport” strategy and recently began construction of the civil aviation component of Phan Thiet Airport.
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Phu Quoc International Airport. Photo courtesy of Sun Group |
India has become one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing inbound tourism markets. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Vietnam welcomed around 750,000 Indian visitors in 2025, up nearly 50% year-on-year and more than four times the 2019 level, making India one of Vietnam’s six largest inbound markets.
In the first quarter of 2026, arrivals from India exceeded 242,000, up 169.3% from the same period last year.
Among Vietnamese destinations, Phu Quoc has become increasingly popular with Indian travelers. In 2025, the island welcomed more than 150,000 Indian visitors and generated tourism revenue of nearly VND44 trillion.
Indian travelers, particularly in the premium segment, are increasingly attracted by Phu Quoc’s integrated resort and entertainment offerings, improving air connectivity, and Vietnam’s 30-day visa exemption policy for international visitors.
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Indian tourists enjoy fireworks at Sunset Town, Phu Quoc. Photo courtesy of Sun Group |
The companies said the partnership is expected to deepen cultural, economic, and tourism ties between Vietnam and India while helping position Vietnam, and Phu Quoc in particular, as a regional connectivity hub.
At the ceremony, Sun PhuQuoc Airways also appointed Minar Group its general sales agent in India.
Minar Group, which has operated for more than 33 years across 32 countries, currently represents 11 international airlines. The partnership is expected to support the expansion of Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ distribution network and facilitate the launch of direct flights between Phu Quoc and major Indian destinations in 2026.
