FlySafair Cancels 26 Flights As Pilots Strike Over Pay And Working Conditions

FlySafair has been forced to cancel 26 flights as a result of a pilot strike over salary demands and working conditions. The strike, led by the Solidarity trade union, involves over 200 pilots who are calling for a 10% salary increase and improvements to their current employment terms.

The airline had offered a 5.7% increase and adjustments to compensation, but this was rejected by the union.

In a statement issued late Sunday evening, FlySafair confirmed that while most flights would operate as scheduled, several would not proceed due to last-minute cancellations by pilots who had initially confirmed their availability.

“The flights were assigned to pilots who had confirmed their availability to fly, but who late last night reported they would not fly,” said the airline.

Passengers affected by the cancellations have been contacted directly, and FlySafair assured that further updates will be communicated promptly should additional disruptions occur.

Here’s the Full List of Cancelled Flights

The following flights have been cancelled due to the industrial action:

Cape Town to Johannesburg: FA112, FA690, FA104, FA110, FA293

Johannesburg to Cape Town: FA105, FA111, FA292

Cape Town to Durban: FA178

Durban to Johannesburg: FA417

Johannesburg to Durban: FA262, FA418, FA540

Durban to Cape Town: FA179, FA263, FA541

Cape Town to Lanseria: FA310, FA339, FA306

Lanseria to Cape Town: FA311, FA315, FA305

Cape Town to Bloemfontein: FA840

Bloemfontein to Cape Town: FA841

Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: FA130

Port Elizabeth to Cape Town: FA031

FlySafair emphasised that most other flights remain unaffected and are operating as scheduled.

Airline Defends Pay Structure, Claims Demands Are Unsustainable

FlySafair argues that the union’s demand would result in more than a 20% increase in overall employment costs—something it calls “an unsustainable escalation for any company.”

In contrast, the airline says its offer—which includes base salary increases, flight-based pay, and performance bonuses—equates to an 11.29% increase in total cost to company.

“FlySafair pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in the country,” the airline said. “Its captains earn between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually.”

The airline adds that these salaries are regularly benchmarked and exceed those of other local airlines. Last month, FlySafair captains flew an average of 63 hours, well below the 100-hour monthly limit set by aviation regulators.

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Another point of contention is the airline’s rostering system, introduced at the beginning of the year. FlySafair defends the system, saying it aligns with global industry standards and provides flexibility and transparency.

“The system was designed to improve operational efficiency and provide pilots with maximum flexibility,” said FlySafair. “It includes a preferential leave bidding process and a structured marketplace for duty swaps.”

The company concluded by expressing regret over the impact on customers and reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute: “We deeply regret the impact the situation is having on our customers. Our goal remains to reach a reasonable resolution quickly.”

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