FlySafair Deflects Flight 268 Scrutiny And Accuses Competitors Of Safety Violations

FlySafair deflected scrutiny over Flight 268’s near-crash in Durban and instead turned its attention to alleged safety violations by rival airlines.

In response to questions, FlySafair’s marketing manager, Kirby Gordon, accused Airlink and CemAir of failing to report serious aviation incidents, urging media outlets to investigate competitors’ safety records.

Gordon cited Airlink Flight 4Z-823, which flew from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga on 30 September 2024. He described it as a “significant serious incident”, claiming the aircraft suffered structural damage after executing a go-around in adverse weather conditions.

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According to Gordon, Airlink dismissed the pilots involved, forced them to sign nondisclosure agreements and suppressed public reports on the event

However, Airlink CEO Rodger Foster dismissed these claims, saying it was “strange” that FlySafair, when under investigations, would deflect attention by pointing at other airlines.

“Following standard procedure, the incident was reported immediately to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) and its accident and incident investigation division, both of which confirmed receipt of the reports,” Foster stated.

He emphasised that Airlink prioritises safety, is regularly audited, and has zero tolerance for breaches of standard operating procedures.

Gordon also made serious allegations against CemAir, claiming that:

Its technical pilot was suspended in November after raising concerns about the airline’s safety practices to the Sacaa.

Several flights had safety incidents, including 5Z100 on 13 February, which allegedly experienced an engine failure on take-off from OR Tambo International Airport.

However, CemAir CEO Miles van der Molen strongly refuted these claims, calling them “false and ethically barren”.

“This conduct is deeply unprofessional and deplorable,” he said.

Van der Molen stated that CemAir had passed its annual licence renewal audit in December without issue, dismissing any suggestion of a complaint to Sacaa.

He further accused FlySafair of fabricating allegations to divert attention from its own legal troubles, which include;

Competition Commission investigations

Cases before the Air Service Licensing Council

Consumer Ombud complaints

CemAir is now considering legal action against FlySafair and Kirby Gordon personally.

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Rather than addressing concerns about Flight 268’s emergency landing, FlySafair’s move to target competitors has ignited a legal and reputational battle within the South African aviation industry.

With multiple airlines disputing its claims, FlySafair may soon face legal repercussions for its accusations.

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