Former Bamboo Airways chairman barred from leaving Vietnam over airline’s tax debt

The local tax authority issued a notice to the immigration department on Thursday, regarding the exit suspension imposed on Sam, who currently resides in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the notice, Sam is identified as the beneficial owner of Bamboo Airways. The restriction took effect on September 3.

As of the same day, the airline had VND440.6 billion ($16.7 million) in outstanding tax liabilities.

The restriction would be lifted once Bamboo Airways fulfills its tax obligations and its outstanding debt falls below the threshold for the measure.

Sam previously played a major role in Bamboo Airways during its restructuring.

He joined the management of FLC Group in July 2022 and Bamboo Airways in August that year.

He later served as chairman of Bamboo Airways’ board of directors while the carrier was undergoing a comprehensive restructuring following legal troubles involving FLC founder Trinh Van Quyet.

Sam was also a major financial backer of Bamboo Airways. As of April 10, 2023, he had lent the airline more than VND7.727 trillion ($293 million).

On November 12, 2025, Bamboo Airways’ board elected Bui Quang Dung as chairman for the 2023-28 term, replacing Sam.