Phu Quoc International Airport has unveiled the design for its new VIP terminal ahead of the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, drawing inspiration from the spotted eagle ray and the ocean’s depths. The 8,500-square-meter facility is a centerpiece of a massive upgrade aimed at transforming the island’s gateway into one of the region’s most modern aviation hubs.
Italian architect Marco Casamonti designed the building, while global firm Aedas Interiors managed the inside spaces.
The terminal is equipped to handle chartered flights of up to 300 passengers and will primarily host heads of state during the 2027 summit. The architectural concept mimics a journey through the sea, integrating local cultural staples like pearl farming, sim wine, and the rhythm of traditional fishing villages. The arrival hall blends maritime themes with traditional Vietnamese communal house elements, utilizing sloping roofs and wooden truss structures to create a warm, solid atmosphere.
Moving to the check-in and departure zones, passengers will find tall wooden columns and floor-to-ceiling glass panels offering sweeping views of the sea. The exclusive VIP lounge for senior officials adopts darker tones to reflect the deep ocean. It features glossy black obsidian surfaces, gold metal accents, and a central glass-and-gold sculpture of an eagle ray in flight.
Beyond the VIP terminal, the entire airport is undergoing a comprehensive expansion. Currently, the airport is stretched well beyond its limits, handling five to six million passengers annually despite an original design capacity of just four million. To prepare for APEC and support the island’s booming tourism, the upgraded facility will span over 1,050 hectares and meet International Civil Aviation Organization Category 4E standards. This will allow it to accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747, 787, and Airbus A350. Planners expect the airport’s total capacity to reach 18 million passengers per year before the 2027 summit, and 50 million passengers and 50,000 tons of cargo annually by 2050.
Source & Photo Credit : VN Express International
