In an interview on December 4, 2025, Le Thai Sam acknowledged that the previous restructuring efforts under the former group of investors fell short of expectations. The airline’s fleet, route network, and financial strength were all significantly diminished, which led to the eventual transfer of operational control back to FLC Group - a decision he described as the right one.

Sam expressed deep regret over how the situation unfolded. When the group of restructuring investors and advisors took over Bamboo Airways in 2022, it was a rising star in Vietnam’s aviation market. The carrier had close to 30 aircraft and operated 60 domestic routes, including niche destinations like Con Dao and Dien Bien, alongside several ambitious international routes. However, by the time Bamboo Airways was handed back to FLC on September 25, 2025, it was down to just seven aircraft and 12 domestic routes - along with a significant debt burden.

One of the most critical missteps, Sam admitted, was the decision to return most of the airline’s aircraft during the restructuring phase. This severely limited operational capacity and revenue potential, complicating the company’s financial recovery. “Only with a larger fleet and broader network can the airline rebuild its cash flow and handle its debt obligations,” he reiterated.

A roadmap to settle legacy debt

According to an independent audit conducted by the same investor group on July 31, 2025, Bamboo Airways owed more than 9 trillion VND (approximately 370 million USD) to suppliers.

The largest debt was to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), totaling around 2.6 trillion VND (about 107 million USD), 80% of which accumulated during the restructuring period. Additional debts included nearly 1 trillion VND (41 million USD) to fuel suppliers, close to 4 trillion VND (165 million USD) to Sacombank, and roughly 3 trillion VND (124 million USD) to other banks, financial institutions, and private creditors.

“We encountered numerous challenges - both internal and external - during the restructuring phase. The volatile aviation market made it difficult to meet supplier payment commitments,” Sam explained.

Sam emphasized that when he and Duong Cong Minh decided to return operational control to FLC Group, they also pledged to take full responsibility for repaying these debts. “That commitment remains unchanged. We stand by our word and will see this through,” he affirmed.

He also expressed a desire to engage with creditors to find mutually agreeable solutions based on shared responsibility and a long-term partnership.

This new debt repayment roadmap is tied to Bamboo Airways’ ongoing financial restructuring and credit planning. Among the debts, obligations to ACV are given the highest priority.

“A detailed monthly and annual repayment plan has been proposed. Previously, Bamboo depended on a single bank for credit. The airline is now diversifying its financial partnerships and expanding credit limits to fund fleet expansion, operations, and debt settlement. Once capital flows are unblocked, the recovery process will accelerate,” Sam said.

He added again, “Duong Cong Minh and I will remain accountable for all debts incurred during the restructuring period - from August 2022 through September 25, 2025.”

A new development trajectory

In December 2025, Bamboo Airways is set to receive additional aircraft to meet demand during the 2026 Lunar New Year travel season. This marks the beginning of a strategic and sustainable effort to restore operational capacity and rebuild the airline’s fleet.

“This is a promising sign and a key foundation for Bamboo Airways to enter a new development phase from 2026 to 2030,” Sam said. “With careful planning and sustainable growth, I believe the airline will soon reclaim its position in the premium service segment.”

The former chairman also expressed strong confidence in the airline’s future now that FLC Group has resumed control. He praised the new executive team for their bold, unified, and sustainable development strategies aimed at reviving Bamboo Airways’ former glory.

Du Lam