Phu Quoc Airport to adopt self-service passenger processing, aiming to match Changi, Hong Kong, and Dubai airports

On April 8, Sun Group announced a strategic cooperation with SITA, an aviation technology company operating in more than 200 countries and territories, to add more conveniences to Phu Quoc International Airport. In the initial phase, technology solutions will be deployed with the goal of turning the airport into one of Southeast Asia’s leading airports applying a self-service passenger processing model.

Under the plan, passengers may perform more steps themselves rather than relying entirely on traditional check-in desks. The process is expected to include self check-in at machines, printing baggage tags, weighing and dropping baggage at the self-service area, and then proceeding through checks and boarding gates with a faster flow. Sun Group said the model is intended to modernize the airport, reduce crowding, save time, and make travel less tiring.

How Phu Quoc’s upgrade compares with major hubs

Many experts view Phu Quoc’s modernization as comparable to major airports such as Changi (Singapore), Hong Kong (China), and Dubai (UAE), where self-service facilities have been available for parts of the passenger journey.

Changi Airport operates the FAST model, which uses self-check-in kiosks and self bag drop to shorten check-in for eligible passengers.

At Hong Kong International Airport, the Flight Token model uses facial recognition in certain steps. After check-in, passengers can drop bags at the self bag drop area with biometric cameras and use the technology in subsequent steps to reduce repetitive paperwork.

Dubai’s Smart Gates system allows eligible passengers to pass through security with biometric recognition, using a green signal for registered users rather than scanning documents at every checkpoint.

According to the article, these examples provide a basis for comparing Phu Quoc’s direction with global trends in aviation, including increased automation and reduced reliance on traditional counters.

Why the airport upgrade is tied to broader planning

Phu Quoc is not only a tourist destination but is also being prepared for infrastructure for APEC 2027. Sun Group said Phu Quoc Airport is the first to be implemented in the aviation-tourism digital ecosystem the group is building with SITA, indicating the goal extends beyond adding individual conveniences toward a more integrated operating model for the island’s gateway.

The article notes that the deployment roadmap is still in progress after the cooperation was signed, and not all features are expected to be available for all passengers immediately. However, it describes the announced direction as a positive signal for Vietnam’s aviation and tourism sector.

Some travelers, the article adds, have joked that the airport experience could shift from “lines and luggage queues” to a faster, more proactive and more comfortable journey in the coming years.