Enterprise

2026 Aviation Boom: Bamboo Airways Recruits 1,000 Flight Attendants as New Airlines Expand Fleets

Airlines are rapidly expanding their fleets and ramping up recruitment efforts to gear up for intense competition in 2026, particularly in anticipation of the peak travel season during the upcoming Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ) Lunar New Year.

Administrator

9 January, 2026

The Return of Bamboo Airways

Shortly after returning under the control of the FLC Group, Bamboo Airways has announced plans to recruit 1,000 flight attendants starting in 2026, alongside its goal to expand its fleet by 8-10 aircraft annually until 2030. The airline, symbolized by the bamboo tree, aims to restore its fleet to the peak of 30 aircraft.

After more than two years of restructuring, Bamboo Airways currently operates only 8 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, serving 12 high-demand domestic routes. International regular flights remain suspended, with only charter services maintained. The network primarily focuses on routes connecting Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and popular tourist destinations like Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, and Da Lat.

Vietjet and Sun Phu Quoc Airways Expand Fleets

In other developments, Vietjet has welcomed 3 A321neo aircraft to meet the surge in demand during the 2026 Tet holiday. Combined with the 4 wet-leased aircraft that joined before the New Year, the airline owned by billionaire Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao has received a total of 22 new aircraft in less than a month.

Meanwhile, Sun Phu Quoc Airways (SPA) has added its 6th Airbus A321, despite only commencing operations in November 2025.

According to a report by MB Securities (MBS), Vietnam’s aviation sector is set to maintain robust growth, returning to pre-COVID-19 levels due to rising international passenger numbers. Visa exemptions, political stability, and affordable living costs make Vietnam an attractive destination.

Domestically, passenger numbers are expected to grow steadily, driven by short-term travel trends and increased disposable income from reduced personal income tax. Expanded aircraft supply and airport infrastructure enhancements will boost operational capacity, meeting travel demand and stabilizing ticket prices.

Intensifying Competition

However, MBS warns that competition among domestic airlines will intensify as fleet expansion outpaces passenger growth. The entry of new players like Sun Phu Quoc Airways and the resurgence of Bamboo Airways will further fragment market share on already saturated routes, leading to fierce price and service competition.

Researchers forecast domestic airport passenger traffic to reach approximately 75 million in 2026, a 5% increase from the previous year. However, growth will not be as rapid as during the post-COVID-19 recovery phase.

Adaptive Strategies of Airlines

With increased supply, airlines must adopt flexible pricing strategies, including promotional fares, service perks, and customer loyalty programs, to maintain high seat occupancy and market share.

According to MBS, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet will be less affected, as they focus on expanding international routes and benefit from strong international tourism prospects. These two carriers currently dominate around 90% of the domestic market, giving them a significant competitive edge over newer rivals.

2026 is poised to be a year of significant upheaval, with intense competition among domestic airlines as travel demand rebounds strongly post-pandemic.

Thien Van

– 16:50 05/01/2026