FlySafair has announced the end of its pilot strike following a formal agreement with Solidarity, brokered through the CCMA.
Full flight operations will now resume, with all aircraft returning to service.
The airline says the return to full capacity will help stabilise airfares by increasing seat availability across its network.
“We’re pleased to move forward with our full team and focus on restoring affordable, reliable service for South Africans,” said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer.
28 July: Limited availability as strike enters second week
More pilots are returning to duty, according to a statement released by FlySafair over the weekend, despite members of the trade union Solidarity rejecting the latest offer.
The reduced flight schedule, implemented ahead of the strike, now sees limited seat availability, with no new date set for the next negotiation meeting confirmed as yet.
Solidarity members previously rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation adjustments, with the union alleging that the majority of FlySafair’s pilots are “exhausted, unheard and unvalued.”
The latest deadlock centres on the "implementation of fixed scheduling rules."
FlySafair’s ongoing dispute with its pilots has reached a deadlock over the proposed implementation of fixed scheduling rules aimed at improving work-life balance for the pilots.
FlySafair previously stated it adheres to the industry’s required Flight Duty Period and rest time regulations, noting that any breach would be illegal.
While the airline acknowledges the intent behind the changes, it argues that rigid rostering would limit operational flexibility and could negatively impact both passengers and crew, potentially leading to a pilot shortage and flight delays. In response, FlySafair has proposed a jointly chaired roster committee to trial any new rules before rollout—a move the pilots’ union, Solidarity, has so far declined.
FlySafari accounts for almost 65% of the domestic market in South Africa.
Here’s what to do if you're flying soon:
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Double-check your flight details via the Manage Booking tool on Flysafair.co.za
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If your flight has been moved and the new time doesn’t work for you, you can change it free of charge
- Keep an eye on your email and SMS inbox for updates from the airline
Also See: SA's new domestic flight developments signal good news for travellers?
24 July: Reduced flight schedule continues, as mediation ongoing
FlySafair and trade union Solidarity will meet for a second round of "constructive engagement" on Friday, under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The session marked a meaningful step forward in resolving the ongoing industrial action by a portion of the airline’s pilot group. The parties will reconvene on Friday to continue discussions, according to a FlySafair statement.
"FlySafair continues to operate a reduced but stable flight schedule. Following disruptions on Monday, the airline is pleased to confirm that all scheduled flights have since departing with 97% of flights yesterday departing on time," stated FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon.
The airline has also outsourced two flights a day of about 120 flights to SAA, until Sunday.
Here’s what to do if you’re flying soon:
- Double-check your flight details via the Manage Booking tool on Flysafair.co.za
- If your flight has been moved and the new time doesn’t work for you, you can change it free of charge
- Keep an eye on your email and SMS inbox for updates from the airline
READ: How to survive flight cancellation chaos
22 July: Airline operating reduced flights
The FlySafair pilots' strike has entered its second day, with the airline continuing to operate a reduced schedule.
An estimated 30% of its flights have been cut, with FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon confirming flight operations were fine at the moment.
Both FlySafair and trade union Solidarity are due to meet with the CCMA on Wednesday to resolve the strike, which was set to be in effect until 5 August, or until a resolution is reached.
Monday 21 July: 20 flights cancelled as negotiations continue
FlySafair customers are being advised that the airline has had to cancel certain flights on Monday, due to ongoing industrial action with its pilots.
As many as 20 flights have been cancelled, at short notice, with flight disruptions reported at major SA airports, Cape Town International and OR Tambo International.
The flights were assigned to pilots who had "confirmed their availability to fly" but then, late on Sunday evening, reported that they "would not fly."
"All other flights are operating as planned, and affected customers have been contacted directly using details provided at the time of booking," says Kirby Gordon, Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer. "Should there be further disruptions, customers will be notified promptly. We thank our teams both on the aircraft and on the ground for their tireless commitment and hard work to ensure that disruptions are minimised as far as possible."
Here’s what to do if you’re flying soon:
- Double-check your flight details via the Manage Booking tool on Flysafair.co.za
- If your flight has been moved and the new time doesn’t work for you, you can change it free of charge
- Keep an eye on your email and SMS inbox for updates from the airline
READ: How to survive flight cancellation chaos: FlySafair strike looms
Competitive Pay and Working Conditions
The current dispute centres on a pay and scheduling disagreement, with the pilots’ union, Solidarity members rejecting a 5.7% wage increase. Instead it has proposed a 10.5% salary increase plus additional flight pay and bonuses.
FlySafair says this would equate to more than a 20% increase in total cost to company, which it views as economically unsustainable.
The union alleges that the majority of FlySafair’s pilots are “exhausted, unheard and unvalued.”
FlySafair states the average flying time last month was 63 hours for its pilots, "well below the legal limit of 100 hours, and standby duties are served from home under minimal restrictions."
According to the airline, FlySafair captains earn between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually—placing them among South Africa’s top 1% of earners and, in some cases, out-earning members of the airline’s own executive team.
Friday 18 July: Two-Week Strike notice issued:
FlySafair pilots represented by trade union Solidarity are set to embark on a protected stay-away strike starting Monday, 21 July, and running through to 5 August 2025. The industrial action comes after negotiations between the airline and its flight crew reached a deadlock earlier this month.
Solidarity members have reportedly rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation adjustments, with the union alleging that the majority of FlySafair’s pilots are “exhausted, unheard and unvalued.”
The airline has rejected claims that 90% of its cockpit crew will be unavailable. A statement issued by Flysafair states that a “large body of pilots” are not participating in the action, ensuring no disruption to its flight schedule.
FlySafair currently operates an estimated 60–65% of South Africa’s domestic seat capacity. The exact number of pilots participating in the upcoming strike remains unconfirmed.
Here’s what to do if you’re flying soon:
- Double-check your flight details via the Manage Booking tool on Flysafair.co.za
- If your flight has been moved and the new time doesn’t work for you, you can change it free of charge
- Keep an eye on your email and SMS inbox for updates from the airline
While the union cites fatigue as one of its concern, FlySafair insists it adheres to the industry’s required Flight Duty Period and rest time regulations, according to Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer who states all flight and duty regulations are “strictly adhered to, with thick margins,” noting that any breach would be illegal.
Gordon also emphasised that the airline runs a sophisticated Fatigue Risk Management System designed to ensure pilot fatigue is proactively managed.
"The airline’s roster system is consistent with those used by other South African carriers and many international airlines, with FlySafair’s system "more accommodating than most, offering pilots a full month’s view of their schedules."
The airline has proactively reduced its flying schedule.
“From a commercial perspective we’ve taken the heat beforehand by shaving down the schedule somewhat and flying less, and effectively reducing our capacity to earn income just to ensure operations remain stable, but in essence customers can at leas have confidence when they book.” Gordon said.
Time Out Tip:
For now, FlySafair flights are running on schedule. If you’re flying early next week and are affected, don’t stress! Just stay informed. Check your booking, confirm your times, and maybe allow a little extra time at the airport in case things shift quickly.