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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

FlySafair responds to pilot strike, ensuring most flights are unaffected

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FlySafair has confirmed that while most of its flights are operating as scheduled, approximately 12% of services have been cancelled today. This follows a late-night withdrawal of availability by several pilots who had previously confirmed their participation in scheduled flights. All affected customers were notified via SMS using the contact details provided at booking.

Customers are encouraged to check the Travel Updates page on flysafair.co.za for the latest information. Airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements.

“We sincerely apologise to all customers who have been affected. We understand the disruption this has caused and are doing everything we can to support those involved,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.

Background to the dispute

The strike action is the result of a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of its pilot workforce. While Solidarity has positioned its demand as a 10.5% increase in base salary, the full package, including bonuses and flight pay, amounts to a 20.1% increase in total cost to company.

By contrast, FlySafair has offered a 5.7% increase on base salary, which is 1.5% above inflation. When fully costed, the offer equates to an 11.29% increase in total cost to company. The airline maintains that this is a fair and responsible offer, especially in a challenging economic environment.

“We must balance competitive pay with the responsibility we have to our 1,700 employees, the affordability we offer South African travellers, and the long-term health of the business,” says Gordon.

FlySafair captains currently are paid between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, placing them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many earn more than members of the airline’s Executive Committee.

Pilot workload and industry standards

FlySafair captains averaged 63 hours of flight time last month, well below the regulatory limit of 100 hours. The airline states that its pilot utilisation is in line with both local and international standards and does not constitute overwork.

Escalation of the strike

The union initially called for a one-day strike, timed to coincide with the end of the school holidays. In response, FlySafair issued a defensive lockout, a standard labour relations measure. Due to the nature of airline rostering, this meant affected pilots would not be rostered for seven days. Solidarity then escalated the action to a two-week strike.

FlySafair has not rejected CCMA intervention and continues to engage with the commission and the union in good faith.

Commitment to customers and employees

FlySafair acknowledges the disruption caused to customers and is working to minimise the impact. The airline also highlights its responsibility to its 1,700 other employees, whose livelihoods are linked to the company’s financial sustainability.

“We’re committed to resolving this matter constructively and quickly. Our focus is on restoring full operations while ensuring that FlySafair remains a sustainable and affordable option for South African travellers,” says Gordon.

acknowledges the disruption caused to customers and is working to minimise the impact. The airline also highlights its responsibility to its 1,700 other employees, whose livelihoods are linked to the company’s financial sustainability.

“We’re committed to resolving this matter constructively and quickly. Our focus is on restoring full operations while ensuring that FlySafair remains a sustainable and affordable option for South African travellers,” says Gordon.

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