Sun PhuQuoc Airways has officially launched, introducing Vietnam’s first-ever “resort airline” designed to connect Phu Quoc Island with travelers across Vietnam and beyond.

The airline aims to strengthen the island’s position as a regional aviation hub while promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth. By offering direct connections between Phu Quoc and key domestic as well as international destinations, Sun PhuQuoc Airways supports Vietnam’s ambition to make the island a world-class travel hotspot.

Fleet and operations

Sun PhuQuoc Airways will initially operates three Airbus A321 aircraft (A321neo and A321ceo variants) with an average age of 4.7years with plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft by the end of 2026, and up to 35 by 2027. Its hub-and-spoke network will connect Phu Quoc with Vietnam’s major cities and select regional destinations, minimizing travel times and reducing reliance on connecting flights.

Ticket sales and routes

Ticket sales opened on October 15 ahead of the airline’s inaugural commercial services, which begin November 1. Initial routes will include:

• Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City

• Phu Quoc – Hanoi

• Phu Quoc – Da Nang

• Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City

• Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang

New services connecting Hanoi–Da Nang and Cam Ranh–Phu Quoc will follow in December.

In flight product

Based on the available information, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is expected to operate as a full-service carrier, providing economy class passengers with meals on flights over two hours, light snacks on shorter sectors, and a range of non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks appear to be available for purchase after 11 a.m. only. The airline’s all-Airbus fleet is equipped with in-seat power, and passengers can expect a standard seat width of approximately 18 inches. While official details on seat pitch have not yet been confirmed, it is likely to be around 31 inches.

In Business Class, flights under 1.5 hours will feature light snacks such as roasted nuts, while flights between 1.5 and 2 hours will offer passengers a choice of hot Vietnamese or European dishes, served with fresh baguettes, avocado, and seasonal fruit. On longer routes lasting 2 to 6 hours, the menu will vary by time of day — lighter breakfast selections in the morning, and multi-course meals with appetizers, main courses, and desserts during lunch hours. A distinctive feature is the Afternoon Tea in the Sky, available on domestic flights between 14:00 and 16:00. The beverage menu includes fruit juices, milk, tea, coffee, beer, wine, and premium spirits, all served in glassware and ceramic tableware with metal cutlery. The Business Class cabin is expected to feature a 2-2 seating configuration with notable recline.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether any inflight connectivity or entertainment options will be available, though it appears that seatback screens are not fitted.

Steep Competition

Sun PhuQuoc Airways enters a highly competitive and price-sensitive market already dominated by two award-winning carriers — full-service Vietnam Airlines and low-cost VietJet Air. Both airlines have extensive networks and strong brand recognition, particularly on the key domestic routes that Sun PhuQuoc Airways will initially serve.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates at least two daily flights between Phu Quoc and major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while VietJet offers up to five daily services on both routes. VietJet also connects Phu Quoc and Da Nang several times a day. In other words, at launch, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is not filling any major network gaps or introducing new direct routes that are currently unserved.

AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen commented, “Of course, we want every airline to succeed, but Vietnam Airlines and VietJet have a very strong hold on the domestic market. Both are extremely successful in their respective segments, and other carriers like Bamboo Airways — while still operating — have struggled to maintain significant market share and now run much smaller fleets. While I hope for the best, at this point it’s going to be a tough battle for Sun PhuQuoc to establish a meaningful presence.”

Still, Sun Group remains optimistic. CEO Nguyen Manh Quan noted that “with a population of over 100 million and growing travel demand, there’s still plenty of room for expansion and new opportunities in Vietnam’s aviation market.”

A new chapter for Phu Quoc

At the airline’s launch ceremony on October 15, Sun Group Chairman Dang Minh Truong said the creation of Sun PhuQuoc Airways represents the final piece in the group’s integrated tourism ecosystem.

“Aviation completes our tourism ecosystem, supporting the broader goal of making Phu Quoc and Vietnam leading destinations in the region and the world,” Truong said.

The launch complements Sun Group’s major infrastructure investments, including the ongoing expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport. It also aligns with the company’s “aviation–tourism synergy” model, which integrates transport, hospitality, and entertainment to deliver seamless travel experiences.

Phu Quoc was recently named Asia’s Most Beautiful Island and the World’s Third Best Island by Condé Nast Traveler, further boosting its appeal as an international destination.

Passengers can head here to book their flights