Bamboo Airways' Fleet Reduction Drives Flight Disruptions as Operational Aircraft Dwindle

Bamboo Airways’ recent wave of flight cancellations and delays has highlighted the airline’s shrinking fleet, with aircraft shortages significantly disrupting its flight schedule as the carrier continues to negotiate with lessors.

According to the report, Bamboo Airways has reduced its fleet from eight aircraft at the end of last year to just three aircraft on paper, although only one to two aircraft are currently available for regular operations. The reduction has been attributed to ongoing negotiations with lessors over delayed payments and outstanding financial obligations.

Fleet constraints have forced the airline to maximize utilization of its remaining aircraft. On July 28, a single Airbus A321, registered VN-A227, operated a six-sector rotation linking Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Macau. Delays accumulated throughout the day, with five of the six flights arriving between nearly two and almost three hours behind schedule as disruptions cascaded through the aircraft’s itinerary.

The report also cited Planespotters.net data indicating that only one of Bamboo Airways’ two leased Boeing aircraft was operational. The limited fleet availability has contributed to declining operational performance, with Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority reporting the airline achieved an on-time performance of 66.8% in June 2026, well below the industry average of 75.7%.

Bamboo Airways has apologized for the disruptions and introduced a refund process for affected passengers, while acknowledging that processing times may be extended due to the high volume of requests.