Phu Bai International Airport (HUI)

Phu Bai International Airport, identified by the IATA code HUI and ICAO code VVPB, is the primary aviation gateway to Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city center, the airport has recently undergone a major transformation with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Terminal 2 (T2) in April 2023. This modern facility serves as a critical link for the central Vietnam tourism corridor, connecting international and domestic travelers to the historic monuments and royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. The new Terminal 2 features a striking architectural design inspired by the tiered roofs of the Hue Imperial Citadel and the nearby Ngu Mountain. Spanning two floors, the facility is designed to handle up to 5 million passengers annually and is the first in Vietnam to fully implement a comprehensive digital transformation strategy. This includes self-service check-in kiosks, automated baggage drops, and facial recognition systems. The first floor manages arrivals, immigration, and baggage claim, while the second floor is dedicated to check-in and security for departing passengers. Travelers have access to multiple business lounges, duty-free retail zones, and various dining outlets serving both local Hue specialties and international cuisine. Flight operations at Phu Bai are robust, with major domestic carriers including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways providing frequent daily connections to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. While the airport holds international status, most global travelers currently connect through these larger hubs, though the new terminal's enhanced infrastructure is designed to attract direct international regional flights. Ground transportation is well-supported with dedicated car and taxi parking zones directly in front of the terminal, providing efficient access to the city's major hotel districts and the Perfume River in approximately 20 to 30 minutes.