Bamboo Airways, once boasting a fleet of 44 aircraft, has seen a dramatic reduction in its operational capacity, now reduced to just one plane, an Airbus A321. This sharp decline highlights the airline's struggles in a competitive market, where it now ranks as one of the smallest carriers in Vietnam.

According to data from Planespotters, a German aviation database, Bamboo Airways' fleet shrinkage is a stark contrast to its peak operational capacity. The airline previously included advanced models like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, but has since undergone significant restructuring following the challenges faced by its founder, Trịnh Văn Quyết, and the FLC Group.

The reduction in fleet size is part of a broader strategy to cut costs and streamline operations. Since 2022, Bamboo Airways has been in a state of restructuring, which involved returning aircraft, halting operations of certain models, and cutting both international and domestic routes. By September 2025, the airline had only seven aircraft and 12 domestic routes. Although it briefly increased its fleet to eight planes, this recovery was short-lived, and as of now, only one aircraft remains operational.

In July, passengers experienced unexpected cancellations and schedule changes, prompting the airline to issue apologies and assure customers of refunds for affected flights. Bamboo Airways has since resumed limited flights, including round trips between Hanoi and Da Nang, but the frequency remains low. The airline has also maintained charter flights from Da Nang to Macao.

During a meeting with the National Competition Committee on August 20, representatives from Bamboo Airways committed to enhancing transparency in their operations and providing timely information to consumers regarding their rights in the event of flight cancellations. They also pledged to prioritize resources for processing refund requests.

However, the current situation raises questions about the airline's ability to sustain stable commercial operations moving forward. With such a limited fleet, meeting passenger demand and maintaining a consistent flight schedule presents significant challenges. Recent data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam indicates that Bamboo Airways had a low on-time performance rate of 66.8% in June, only slightly better than Vietravel Airlines, which recorded 65.9%. In contrast, larger carriers like VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines maintained much higher punctuality rates despite operating significantly more flights.