The launching ceremony of the Phu Quoc International Airport, Kien Giang, December 15, 2012 - Photo: VGP

This is the 8th international airport, located in Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc Islands of the Southern province of Kien Giang. The other seven ones include Noi Bai (Ha Noi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang (Da Nang), Can Tho (Can Tho City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Chu Lai (Quang Nam), and Phu Bai (Thua Thien-Hue).

It is also the first domestic-funded airport in Viet Nam, with total investment capital of VND 3 trillion.

Phu Quoc International Airport, covering 900ha, includes a runway, a passenger terminal, and a VHF omnidirectional range station (VOR).

The runway, which is 3,000m long and 45m wide, will enable the airport to accommodate Boeing 777s, Boeing 747-400s and other similar aircraft.

The airport will serve passengers to capital Ha Noi, some other localities, and countries in the region and the world, in order to take advantage of local economic potential, especially ecological and marine tourism, as well as investment and trade.

It is designed to handle 2.65 million passengers annually; it even can reach to a number of 1,325 passengers per hour at peak times.

Phu Quoc is considered a peaceful tropical paradise, well known for stunning beaches, untouched natural environment, the easy going and relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling.

The total number of tourists increase 13% per year, reaching 362,280 in 2012, said Chairman of Kien Giang People's Committee Le Van Thi.

The island’s economy expanded at the average rate of 22% annually and its per capita personal income is estimated at about US$2,500./.

By Hai Minh