On the first day of 2026, two major airports in Africa and Southeast Asia found themselves at the center of ambitious new plans and significant transitions, signaling a new chapter for regional aviation. In Kenya, President William Ruto used his New Year address to announce the launch of a long-awaited expansion at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Thousands of kilometers away, Vietnam’s Sun Group officially assumed management of Phu Quoc International Airport, immediately rolling out a suite of passenger-focused upgrades and setting the stage for a dramatic capacity boost by 2027.
For both airports, the timing of these developments is hardly coincidental. With air travel demand rebounding to record levels and passenger expectations on the rise, airport operators and governments are under growing pressure to expand, modernize, and innovate—or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive global market.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority, JKIA handled approximately 8.6 million passengers in 2025, a figure that surpassed its current design capacity of 7.5 million. The numbers tell a clear story: Kenya’s main international gateway is bursting at the seams. President Ruto, in his January 1 address, acknowledged these constraints and outlined a bold vision for the future. “In 2026, we will begin the construction of a modern world-class airport at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to anchor our nation as the aviation capital of our region and boost our trade and tourism sectors,” he declared.
This expansion, as detailed by the Kenya Airports Authority, aims to alleviate operational bottlenecks and ensure that JKIA can accommodate the country’s growing aviation needs. The project is also closely tied to Kenya’s broader ambitions: supporting trade, strengthening the tourism sector, and enhancing regional air connectivity. JKIA, located in Nairobi, remains not only the country’s primary international airport but also a vital entry point for both passenger and cargo traffic across East Africa.
While the specifics of the expansion plan are still being finalized, Kenyan authorities have emphasized the importance of improving passenger handling and preparing for continued air traffic growth. The investment represents a significant commitment to the country’s transport infrastructure and is expected to have ripple effects throughout the economy, from tourism operators to exporters and logistics providers.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the start of 2026 marked a new era for Phu Quoc International Airport as Sun Group officially took over management and operations. The transition, formalized at a handover ceremony attended by representatives from Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), and the Immigration Department, followed the completion of all regulatory and licensing requirements.
Sun Airport Corporation (SAC), a subsidiary of Sun Group, wasted no time in making its presence felt. From January 1, passengers arriving at Phu Quoc International found a series of immediate improvements designed to streamline the travel experience. Among the most notable: the introduction of an ePass non-stop toll collection system at airport access points, aimed at easing congestion and reducing journey times to and from the terminal.
Technology upgrades were also front and center. For the first time, free Wi-Fi is now available throughout the terminal, with upgraded 4G and 5G coverage ensuring that both domestic and international travelers—especially those relying on electronic visas—can stay connected. The airport’s flight information display system (FIDS) has been overhauled, with more screens and improved clarity to provide real-time updates in a more accessible format.
But Sun Group’s ambitions for Phu Quoc International go far beyond these initial enhancements. The company has announced plans for a major expansion tied to the APEC 2027 summit, which Vietnam will host. Covering more than 800 hectares and built to ICAO Code 4E standards, the project includes a second runway, a new international terminal (T2), a VIP terminal, expanded aircraft aprons, and a host of supporting infrastructure. Once the first phase is completed and commissioned in 2027, the airport’s annual capacity is expected to soar to 20 million passengers—a dramatic leap from current levels.
The longer-term vision is even more ambitious, with plans to integrate additional commercial, retail, and leisure facilities within the airport complex as passenger traffic continues to grow. For Phu Quoc, a key gateway to Vietnam’s southern island destinations, these upgrades couldn’t come at a better time. According to Sun Group, flight volumes during the recent holiday period were forecast to rise by more than 25% year on year, underlining both the airport’s strategic importance and the urgency of its expansion.
In the short term, Sun Airport Corporation has prioritized operational stability and service continuity. The company is reviewing existing procedures, investing in staff development, and introducing a revised service culture to ensure a smooth transition. “Our priority is to ensure safe, stable and uninterrupted operations while making incremental improvements to passenger services and airport systems,” a spokesperson for SAC said.
Both Kenya and Vietnam’s airport projects come against a backdrop of surging demand for air travel in their respective regions. Africa and Southeast Asia have emerged as key battlegrounds for airlines and airport operators seeking to capture a share of fast-growing markets. In Kenya, the JKIA expansion is expected to cement Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub, attracting new airlines and routes while supporting the country’s economic diversification efforts. For Vietnam, the transformation of Phu Quoc International is part of a broader push to boost tourism and position the country as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Of course, such ambitious projects are not without their challenges. Financing, regulatory approvals, and the need to minimize disruption during construction all loom large. Both Kenyan and Vietnamese authorities have emphasized the importance of careful planning and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the benefits of expansion are widely shared.
As the world continues to recover from the disruptions of the past few years, the stories of JKIA and Phu Quoc International Airport offer a glimpse of how airports—and the countries they serve—are adapting to new realities. Whether it’s easing congestion in Nairobi or rolling out high-speed Wi-Fi for travelers on a Vietnamese island, the message is clear: the future of aviation will belong to those who are willing to invest, innovate, and put the passenger experience at the heart of their plans.
With construction set to begin in Kenya in 2026 and a major expansion on the horizon for Phu Quoc by 2027, both airports are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the next era of regional and global air travel.
