The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will begin patroning Duong To commune's new Phu Quoc Island airport from December 2, ending its use of Duong Dong town's older facility.
The airline now operates 76 ATR72 flights to the island, including 56 on the Ho Chi Minh City-Phu Quoc route, four on the Ho Chi Minh City-Rach Gia-Phu Quoc route, and the remaining seven on the Phu Quoc-Can Tho route.
Vietnam Airlines will soon launch the new air route linking Hanoi and Phu Quoc, flying five times per week using Airbus A321s. The Airbuses will also service some additional flights from Ho Chi Minh City.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved beginning Phu Quoc International Airport's operations in the southern province of Kien Giang.
The PM authorised the Ministry of Transport to decide when to close the former Phu Quoc Airport and inaugurate the newly-built Phu Quoc International Airport, honouring aviation safety and security regulations.
He asked Kien Giang province to cooperate with the Transport Ministry on completing infrastructure projects linked with the international airport to ensure its effective operation.
The Phu Quoc International Airport was built on 900 ha of land in Duong To Commune on the island district of Phu Quoc and with a total investment of VND16.2 trillion (US$771million).
It will serve domestic flights between Phu Quoc and Hanoi, HCM City, and other destinations, as well as connect the island district internationally in the interests of boosting investment and tourism.