Phu Quoc Airport Completes First Runway 2 Calibration Flight
Phu Quoc Airport Completes First Runway 2 Calibration Flight
Phu Quoc International Airport has completed the first calibration flight on its new second runway, marking a technical milestone in the island airport's expansion. The flight took place on 27 July 2026 despite rain and reduced visibility, with further testing continuing on 28 July. For passengers, the important distinction is that calibration is part of the certification process. It is not, by itself, an announcement that Runway 2 has opened for normal commercial traffic or that existing airline schedules have changed.
The test aircraft approached Runway 28R to examine the Instrument Landing System and Distance Measuring Equipment, approach lights and Precision Approach Path Indicator. These systems help crews establish the correct course, distance and descent path, particularly when visibility is limited. The official calibration-flight record ⬈ says a Beechcraft B300 King Air 350ER operated by a joint Vietnamese-Czech crew carried out the checks. Two test periods were completed, from 06:23 to 09:56 and from 13:06 to 15:29.
Runway 2 measures 3,300 metres long and 45 metres wide and has been built parallel to the existing runway. It meets ICAO Code E standards and is designed for regular operation by modern wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777. Larger Code F aircraft may be accommodated when required. The project also includes modern approach and runway lighting intended to support safer operations in Phu Quoc's quickly changing tropical weather.
A successful calibration flight is significant because navigation aids and lighting must be measured under real flight conditions before they can be approved for operational use. Engineers review signal accuracy, integrity and stability from different approach angles. Results can lead to technical adjustments, documentation work and additional procedures before an operating licence is issued. Travellers should therefore avoid interpreting photographs of the test flight as proof that every part of the expansion is already available to passenger airlines.
The independent runway project overview ⬈ reports that pavement, markings and the main technical installations were largely complete before the calibration programme. The new runway is one element of a wider airport upgrade connected with rising traffic and Phu Quoc's preparations for APEC 2027. Its future role is to improve resilience, provide more operating flexibility and help the airport handle additional wide-body and special flights once the required approvals are complete.
Nothing in the calibration announcement requires travellers with current bookings to change their plans. Existing commercial operations continued while Runway 2 was being built. Passengers should use the terminal and check-in instructions shown on their airline booking, monitor official notices and allow normal extra time during busy periods. Anyone making a same-day connection should confirm whether baggage must be collected and rechecked, because that depends on the itinerary, airline and ticket arrangement rather than the new runway.
Before departure, travellers should verify the latest flight status directly with the operating airline and check airport guidance for terminal, check-in and transport information. Weather can still affect individual flights even when more advanced approach equipment is available. The completed calibration is encouraging for Phu Quoc's future connectivity, but the practical message today is straightforward: current tickets remain governed by the published airline schedule, while Runway 2 continues through the remaining approval steps toward operational service.
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