HÀ NỘI — The launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) is bringing a breath of fresh air to Việt Nam’s aviation industry, offering travelers more choices and boosting competition as tourism continues its strong recovery.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, in the first nine months of 2025, Vietnamese airlines carried an estimated 43.7 million passengers, up 8.2 per cent from the same period last year. Domestic flights served 29 million passengers, an increase of 7.6 per cent.

Tourist routes to popular destinations such as Đà Nẵng, Nha Trang, Phú Quốc and Quy Nhơn have maintained seat occupancy rates above 85 per cent, showing strong travel demand and room for further growth.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways is set to officially begin commercial operations on November 1, with initial routes including Phú Quốc–HCM City, Phú Quốc–Hà Nội, Phú Quốc– Đà Nẵng, Hà Nội –HCM City, and HCM City– Đà Nẵng. The airline aims to develop a “resort aviation” model that integrates flight services with luxury travel experiences.

The launch comes as Phú Quốc, now part of An Giang Province, prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2027, which is expected to welcome 10,000–12,000 delegates from 21 member economies. Increased flight connectivity will play a key role in serving this event and supporting the island’s long-term tourism growth.

SPA has received its first three aircraft of Airbus A321NX and A321CEO, and plans to operate eight planes by the end of 2025, expanding its fleet to 30–35 by 2027. The airline will use a hub-and-spoke network centred on Phú Quốc to connect major domestic and foreign destinations more efficiently, reducing the need for transit flights. — BIZHUB/VNA