Everything You Need to Know About Quy Nhơn Airport

In Binh Dinh, Phu Cat Airport stands as the sole air gateway, achieving international status in early 2020. This airport serves as a crucial connection hub within the country and to various global destinations along the South Central Coast, contributing to the promotion of tourism in the Central region. In this article, Vntrip will address all queries related to Quy Nhơn Airport or Phu Cat Airport.

Where is Quy Nhơn/Phu Cat Airport located?

International Airport Phu Cat, Binh Dinh Province. Photo: Internet

Known colloquially as Quy Nhơn Airport, the official name of this aviation hub is Phù Cát Airport. Its IATA code is UIH, and it adheres to the ICAO standard with the code VVPC.

Situated in Cát Tân commune, Phù Cát district, Bình Định province, Phù Cát Airport is approximately 35km from Phù Cát district, requiring a journey to Quy Nhơn city center. To the west lies Cát Tân commune, to the south is provincial road 636, and to the east is the north-south railway line.

The History of Phù Cát Airport (Bình Định)

Phù Cát Airport has a history rooted in the resistance against the US, initially not open for civilian flights. After liberation, Quy Nhơn Airport became a historic site linked to numerous achievements of the People's Army of Vietnam.

After the complete reunification of the country, the government approved a renovation project to upgrade Phù Cát Airport into a civilian airport, serving the people of Vietnam. In September 1984, the inaugural civilian flight took off from Phù Cát Airport.

Infrastructure of Phù Cát Airport

Inside the passenger terminal of Phù Cát Airport. Photo: Internet

As the sole airport in Bình Định province, Phù Cát Airport handles both military and civilian tasks simultaneously. It accommodates regular and irregular flights, as well as private aircraft. Despite its international status, Phù Cát Airport's infrastructure is not entirely complete; notably, the runway lacks lighting for nighttime operations. Consequently, most of Quy Nhơn Airport's activities primarily occur during daylight hours.

Features of the Passenger Terminal

The passenger terminal at Quy Nhơn Airport is the hub for services related to everyone's travel journeys. Equipped with numerous tech and commercial transaction counters, the airport ensures optimal service for passengers.

During peak times, the passenger terminal at Phù Cát Airport, with a spacious area of up to 3,000m2, can accommodate around 300 passengers per hour.

As a newly designed terminal, this space boasts a modern architecture with a Western touch, comprising one ground floor and one mezzanine level. Quy Nhơn Airport's passenger terminal is equipped with baggage conveyors, electronic scales, document processing counters, passenger assistance areas, and resting seats.

This area seamlessly integrates numerous modern services, such as souvenir shops featuring specialties from the Central region; a restaurant zone, offering breakfast options; a media area with access to the internet for passengers to work while awaiting check-in.

What's Inside the Passenger Terminal?

Upon entering the ground floor, you'll reach the security control area. Passing through security, you'll enter the boarding lounge, where various services like souvenir shops, restaurants, electronics rooms, and functional rooms are seamlessly integrated.

The entire mezzanine of the passenger terminal is utilized as an isolation area with an expansive area of up to 128m2. This section is exclusively reserved for passengers in class C and VIP. Alongside waiting rooms, the ground floor also features dining areas and souvenir shops.

Upgrading to an International Airport

In January 2020, Phù Cát Airport achieved international airport status. Photo: Internet

By the end of 2019, the Vietnam Airports Corporation proposed a plan to invest in upgrading Phù Cát Airport (Bình Định) to an international airport in early 2020. The plan outlined three main components: expanding the apron, constructing a new terminal to international standards, and upgrading the runway.

In January 2020, Quy Nhơn Airport officially became Phù Cát International Airport. Also in January 2020, the first international flight connected Phù Cát, Bình Định, to Cheongju, South Korea, operated by Bamboo Airways.

As per the plan, Terminal 1 is upgraded to cater to international passengers, while Terminal 2 remains dedicated to domestic flights.

Airlines Serving Phù Cát Airport

Currently, four Vietnamese airlines primarily operate at Phù Cát Airport, Bình Định, namely:

• Vietnam Airlines
• Vietjet Air
• Pacific Airlines (formerly Jetstar Pacific)
• Bamboo Airways

Are there direct flights departing and arriving at Phù Cát Airport (Quy Nhơn)?

According to the latest statistics, Phù Cát Airport sees an average of about 8 takeoffs and landings per day.

How to travel from Phù Cát Airport to Quy Nhơn?

Taxi and shuttle services are available outside Quy Nhơn Airport. Photo: Internet

Taxi

In Phù Cát, the primary mode of transportation remains taxis. As you get closer to the city center, you can also use motorcycle taxis and ride-sharing services. The distance to Quy Nhơn center is 35km, making the transportation cost from the airport quite high, ranging from 500,000 VND and above per trip, depending on the taxi company.

Contract Cars

If traveling with family or in a group, you can opt to rent a contract car to save costs. The rental price for a 4 – 7 seater car in Bình Định ranges from 1,200,000 VND/day and up, depending on the vehicle's quality, and whether you choose to include a driver or drive yourself. This option comes with lower fees compared to frequent taxi rides.

Airport Shuttle Bus

Low-cost airlines all offer shuttle services from the airport to downtown Quy Nhơn at a very affordable rate, just under 100,000 VND per trip. However, the drawback is that these shuttles tend to be crowded, making luggage control challenging.

In addition to the mentioned options, if you are traveling solo, you can take a motorcycle taxi or rent a motorbike for an adventurous exploration of Bình Định, providing a more authentic experience.

Travel Time from Phù Cát Airport (Quy Nhơn) to the City Center?

Covering a distance of 35km, it will take approximately 40 – 55 minutes to travel from Phù Cát Airport to the city center. However, the duration may vary depending on the mode of transportation; for instance, if taking a shuttle, it could take 60 minutes or more.

Distance from Quy Nhơn Airport to Attractions in Bình Định

Quy Nhơn, Bình Định, is a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam. Each year, it attracts numerous domestic and international tourists, significantly contributing to the development of the domestic tourism industry and the national economy. When mentioning Quy Nhơn, you should not miss iconic places like Eo Gió, Ky Co Island, Hon Kho Island (Coral Island), Quang Trung Square, or Cu Lao Xanh. From Quy Nhơn Airport, you can follow the directions below to reach these popular tourist spots.

Eo Gió

Visitors to Eo Gió unanimously agree that the Wind Strait possesses a charming, romantic beauty, reminiscent of Jeju Island in South Korea. Here, travelers will be mesmerized by the majestic scenery of the cliffs, immerse themselves in the fresh sea breeze, and marvel at entirely natural and fascinating caves. Exploring Eo Gió, you'll capture countless fantastic 'Instagrammable' moments against the backdrop of the incredibly beautiful natural landscape.

From Phù Cát Airport, it takes approximately another 35km to reach Eo Gió.

Ky Co Island

Ky Co Island. Photo: Internet

When in Quy Nhơn, Bình Định, overlooking Ky Co Island is indeed a significant omission for any traveler. If Eo Gió is likened to Jeju, then Ky Co is considered a perfect version of the Maldives situated in Vietnam. Stepping onto this small, charming island, you will feel incredibly comfortable due to the mild and pleasant atmosphere. Roaming around Ky Co, you'll immerse yourself in the fine white sand, intriguing rock formations, and crystal-clear waters resembling a precious gem.

Quy Nhơn Airport is approximately 39km away from Ky Co Island.

Hon Kho Island – Coral Island

In addition to Ky Co Island, Bình Định also boasts another beautiful island worth visiting, Hon Kho or Coral Island. It is named Hon Kho or Coral because beneath the sandy beach lies a fascinating and beautiful coral reef. Thanks to its distant reef, the sea waves do not reach the shore, making this beach very calm. Particularly during low tide, you'll see many charming wooden bridges connecting the islands, creating a fascinating and picturesque scene.

Quy Nhơn Airport is very close to Hon Kho Island, only 4km away.

Cu Lao Xanh

Being a coastal province located in the renowned South Central Coast with its incredibly beautiful deep blue waters, Bình Định offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the freshness and purity of the sea, with a highlight being Cu Lao Xanh. This place is dubbed the Eastern Sea Gem due to its charming and picturesque landscapes, which remain largely untouched.

Visiting Cu Lao Xanh, travelers can experience diving to admire coral reefs, beach strolls, and indulge in the freshest seafood. Quy Nhơn Airport is approximately 54km away from Cu Lao Xanh.

Quy Nhơn, Bình Định emerges as a captivating summer destination with its picturesque landscapes, expansive coastlines, pristine islands, and delightful local specialties. This place promises to offer you a summer filled with intriguing experiences. If you're planning to travel to Quy Nhơn by air, be sure to grab the essential details about Quy Nhơn Airport or Phù Cát Airport.