Latest news with #airportupgrade
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
One of the world's cheapest holiday destinations reveals £1.5billion airport expansion with phoenix-shaped terminal
AN UNUSUAL bird-shaped terminal is opening as part of the a major £1.5billion airport upgrade on an affordable holiday island. The Phu Quoc International Airport, which serves a small island off the coast of Cambodia, is getting a billion pound upgrade - and it looks like a mythological phoenix. 5 5 The airport works will be carried out in two phases, with the first set to be complete by 2030. In the next five years, Phu Quoc International Airport should be able to accommodate up to 18 million passengers per year. This is over four times its current capacity of four million. By 2050, when the second phase is set to be complete, the airport is expected to handle up to 50 million passengers per year. According to Vietnam Plus, the first stage will cost 26.57 trillion VND (over £756million) and the second will be an additional 25.79 trillion VND (£750million). The airport is being designed by Singapore -based CPG Airport Consultants, and the unique shape of the terminal is intentional. It's inspired by a phoenix spreading its wings, symbolising "national pride and prestige", according to Vietnam Plus. In addition to the existing runway, a second runway will be constructed. The two runways will be over 3,000 metres each, and will mean that wider aircraft used for long-haul flights from Europe and the US will be able to land on the island. Inside, the designs for the terminal reveal a light and airy space. I left the UK & moved to the cheapest country in the world - rent is £432 a month, petrol AND lunch is £1 & beer is 40p 5 5 And it will be kitted out with a shopping centre as well as modern technology from remote check-in to automated baggage sorting, and biometric identification. With all of this, the entry and exit times are set to be reduced to 15–30 seconds per person. There will also be changes in the surrounding areas with major roads being built and expanded to accommodate for expected traffic. Last year, Vietnam was named as being the most affordable place to live in the world for the fourth year in a row, according to the Expat Insider survey. One Sun Travel writer travelled to Hoi An in Vietnam where he discovered bargain beers for as little as 30p. Phu Quoc is an island off the coast of the mainland and has been given two affectionate nicknames because of its natural beauty. The first being 'Pearl Island' because of its white sandy beaches, and 'the Venice of Vietnam' thanks to its narrow lanes and colourful shops fronts. In 2024, Phu Quoc was named the World's Leading Nature Island Destination by the World Travel Awards. And in July of 2024, the island was voted world's second most beautiful island by Travel+Leisure. Here's more on the exotic beach town crowned 'cheapest destination' for Brits. And one couple even upped sticks and decided to move to the destination.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
First look at £100million revamp of major UK airport with ‘much needed' upgrades
THE first look at a £100million upgrade of a major UK airport has been revealed. Belfast International Airport has opened a new security hall, which is the latest phase of its multi-million pound upgrade. 3 3 The security hall has been designed to accommodate future passenger growth at the airport. This includes new scanning technology that allows passengers to travel without removing their liquids or electronics from their hand luggage. There is also a new duty free area, which spans 1,600 square metres and features duty free, food and drink shops and travel essential shops. A new forecourt is outside the front of the building too. According to the BBC, one passenger said the transformation project has been a "long time coming" and that the airport "needed that upgrade. "I think whenever international visitors came here it was a bit shabby looking and it was time for an upgrade but it's looking really good." The airport's chief executive Dan Owens shared that their goal was to "transform" passengers' experiences. The transformation project started over two years ago and will last five years in total. Belfast International Airport is on track to surpass its 2024 success and experience another record-breaking year. Plans to upgrade Northern Ireland's busiest airport were announced back in 2023. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying Reports from the announcement noted that there will also be improved departure and border force areas. The plan included revamping existing facilities and providing extra seating for travellers. It was estimated that the project will contribute 400 jobs with local construction firms during the build. In 2024, over 6.7 million passengers travelled through the airport, which was a 13 per cent increase compared with 2023 and the highest number in the airport's history. The majority of flights from the airport are operated by easyJet, which is Northern Ireland 's biggest airline. In addition, TUI recently announced that it will operate a new direct flight from Belfast International to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, from next summer. Belfast is also home to Britain's cheapest airport carpark. 3
