Support

Phu Cat Airport

About the Airport

Phu Cat Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Phu Cat Airport is not merely an air gateway to the picturesque coastal city of Quy Nhon, but your first step towards discovering the secluded beaches and ancient culture of Binh Dinh province in Vietnam. Located away from the city bustle, it welcomes travellers with a calm atmosphere and modern service. Your journey to the turquoise waters and mysterious Cham towers, for which this region is famous, begins here. Despite its relatively small size, Phu Cat Airport boasts well-thought-out infrastructure, making the start and end of your trip as comfortable as possible.

IATA Code UIH
ICAO Code VVPC
City Quy Nhon
Distance to Centre About 30 km
Status Domestic, serves international charter flights
Passengers per Year Over 2.5 million
Popular Airlines Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
Schedule Online Board "Phu Cat Airport"

The key advantage of Phu Cat Airport is its compactness and efficiency. It is easy to navigate here, and all pre-flight procedures usually pass quickly, which is especially valuable for tourists wishing to start their holiday as soon as possible. The new passenger terminal, opened in 2018, offers passengers all necessary amenities. Spread over two floors are waiting lounges, check-in counters, a baggage claim area, as well as cafes and souvenir shops where you can comfortably spend time before your flight. For the convenience of travellers, transport links to the centre of Quy Nhon are well organised: you can reach the city by special shuttle buses or taxis, which are always available at the terminal exit.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for Phu Cat Airport (UIH). We recommend checking the accuracy of the data on the official website, especially before travelling.

  • Official Website: vietnamairport.vn/phucatairport
  • Information Desk Phone: +84 256 353 7577
  • Airport Address: Cat Tan Commune, Phu Cat District, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam (Cát Tân, Phù Cát, Bình Định, Việt Nam)
  • Email: vanthu.pca@acv.vn
  • Social Media: At the moment, the airport does not have active official pages on popular social networks. The main source of information is the official website.
  • Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to baggage, you must first contact the Lost and Found counter or your airline representative at the airport.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries and support, you can contact the main airport information desk phone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Phu Cat Airport (UIH), serving the beautiful coastal city of Quy Nhon, is located approximately 35 kilometres northwest of its centre. Depending on your chosen transport and traffic conditions, the journey to the terminal will take you from 45 to 60 minutes. There are several convenient ways to get to the airport, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public Transport: Shuttle Bus

The most economical option is the special Airport Bus. This is a reliable and popular method among tourists and locals. Buses run between the airport and a central point in Quy Nhon, usually from the Vietnam Airlines office at 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh. The shuttle schedule is directly linked to the flight schedule, so they depart 2-2.5 hours before flight departure. The fare is typically around 50,000 Vietnamese Dong, making it an ideal choice for budget travellers. It is best to verify the exact schedule and departure point in advance.

Taxi and Transfer

For maximum comfort and speed, use taxi services or book a transfer. This is the most convenient way, especially if you are travelling with large luggage or family. You can book a car via mobile apps popular in Vietnam, such as Grab, or hail a taxi on the street. The trip will cost more but ensures "door-to-door" service. The estimated cost of a taxi ride ranges from 250,000 to 400,000 Vietnamese Dong. Important: when taking a regular taxi, always insist on using the meter or agree on a fixed price in advance. Many hotels also offer transfer services upon prior request.

Car Rental and Parking

If you value independence and plan to actively explore the region, you can rent a car. Rental points are available both in the city and at the airport itself. However, it is worth remembering that road traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic and requires certain driving experience. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, there is a car park where you can safely leave your car for the duration of your trip.

Terminals and Map

Phu Cat Airport (UIH), serving the resort city of Quy Nhon, has a simple and clear structure consisting of two terminals. This makes navigation for passengers as convenient as possible. The terminals are located in separate buildings but in close proximity to each other, allowing for easy movement between them.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the older terminal building, which is currently fully dedicated to serving domestic flights within Vietnam. It is distinguished by its compactness and functionality. Inside, you will find check-in counters, a security screening area, and a small waiting lounge with a basic set of services, including several cafes. The terminal layout is intuitive; getting lost here is practically impossible.

Terminal 2 (T2) is a modern international terminal, built to accommodate increasing tourist flow. It is noticeably more spacious and comfortable than T1. All international flights are served here. The arrival and departure zones are clearly separated: on the ground floor, there is the arrival hall with baggage reclaim belts and customs control, while the second floor houses a spacious departure hall with check-in counters, passport control, shops, and cafes.

Moving between terminals does not require special transport — they are a few minutes' walk from each other. Thanks to the airport's compactness, all pre-flight formalities usually pass quickly. Check-in and security screening for domestic flights take on average no more than 30-40 minutes, and for international flights — about an hour. Despite this, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one.

For comfortable navigation, we advise you to check in advance from which terminal your flight departs. It is simple to remember: T1 is for flights within the country, T2 is for international flights. Signs in both terminals are duplicated in English, which significantly facilitates orientation for foreign tourists.

Airport History

The history of Phu Cat Airport, serving the city of Quy Nhon, is closely linked to the events of the 20th century. Its path is a transformation from a military facility into a modern civil air gateway, playing a key role in the development of tourism in Binh Dinh province and all of central Vietnam.

The airport was built in 1966 by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was used as a major airbase named Phu Cat Air Base. Tactical and transport operations were carried out from here. After the end of the war, in 1975, the facility came under the control of the Vietnam People's Army and functioned for a long time primarily as a military airfield, only occasionally accepting civil flights.

A new stage in the airport's history began in the 21st century with the growth of the region's tourist appeal. To meet the growing passenger flow, large-scale modernisation was carried out. A key event was the opening of the new international terminal T2 in May 2018. This modern complex allowed for a significant increase in the airport's capacity — up to 2.5 million passengers per year — as well as an improvement in service quality. The runway was also reconstructed, enabling the accommodation of larger aircraft types.

An interesting fact: despite its international status, Phu Cat Airport served mainly domestic flights for a long time. However, thanks to recent renovations, it is ready to receive charter and regular flights from abroad, opening a new chapter in its history and contributing to the transformation of Quy Nhon into a popular international resort.

Services and Facilities

Phu Cat Airport (UIH), serving the popular resort city of Quy Nhon in Vietnam, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and small restaurants where you can have a snack before departure, trying both local Vietnamese cuisine and more familiar snacks. There are also souvenir stalls and shops where you can buy gifts, travel essentials, and locally produced goods.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport has a business lounge. Here, passengers can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, as well as fresh press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas so you can always stay connected.

The terminal building houses ATMs and currency exchange points, allowing you to withdraw cash or exchange money upon arrival without problems. For emergency assistance, there is a medical station where you can go if you feel unwell.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is provided for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance: airport staff will help with movement through the terminal, and the infrastructure is equipped with ramps and special washrooms.

Although there are no hotels on the airport territory itself, in the immediate vicinity and in the city of Quy Nhon, you can find many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget. Specialised conference rooms are not provided in the terminal, however, basic business services, such as internet access and workspaces, may be available in the business lounge.

Where to Eat

Phu Cat Airport (UIH), serving the resort city of Quy Nhon, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Although the selection here is not as large as in major metropolises, dining establishments are located in both passenger terminals (T1 and T2), so you won't go hungry.

The main dining points are located in the public zones of both terminals (before security control). The choice here is generally wider, so if you have time, it is better to eat before going through formalities. In the departure zones (after security), small kiosks usually operate, offering mainly drinks and light snacks.

This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with Vietnamese cuisine. Be sure to try the traditional Pho soup, a hearty Banh Mi sandwich, or rice dishes. Of course, do not miss the chance to drink a cup of the famous Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. Fresh pastries and sandwiches are suitable for a quick snack, and set menus with rice, meat or fish, and vegetables are available for a full lunch.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian dishes, such as rice with vegetables or vegetable soup, is quite possible. However, specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options are extremely rare at Phu Cat Airport. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to carry suitable snacks with them.

Prices in airport establishments are generally moderate, but slightly higher than in the city itself. Most cafes and restaurants operate on a flexible schedule, opening with the first flights and closing after the departure of the last aircraft, so you will always be able to find an open establishment during airport operating hours.

Traveller Tips

To ensure your journey through Phu Cat Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. This is a small and fairly convenient regional airport serving the popular resort of Quy Nhon, and knowing a few nuances will make your trip even more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time is sufficient to check in luggage and pass security screening without rushing. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. The airport itself is not very large, so queues here are usually shorter than in the major hubs of Vietnam.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When flying from Quy Nhon, we advise choosing a window seat — there is a chance to enjoy magnificent views of the coast. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, and no sharp objects. Pay attention to power banks — they can only be carried in hand luggage, and their capacity must not exceed the limits established by the airline.

Transfers and Customs: Phu Cat Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so complex connections here are rare. If you have a transfer planned in another city, for example, in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, allow sufficient time between flights. Most likely, you will have to collect your luggage and check in again. Customs control is relevant for those flying on international flights and follows standard regulations.

Economy and Flight Delays: To save money, pack your luggage according to your fare allowance to avoid excess weight charges. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it after the security checkpoint. In case of a flight delay, immediately contact your airline counter for information. Since the choice of entertainment and cafes at the airport is limited, it is better to have a book or pre-downloaded films with you in case of a wait.

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored