No one wants to hear the word “strike” when they’re about to travel - but if you're flying with FlySafair in the coming days, you may want to take note: A strike certificate has been issued after negotiations with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), and pilot union Solidarity could issue a formal notice of intention to strike from Friday morning. If that happens, industrial action could start as soon as Monday, or within 72 hours of the notice given.
Is your flight affected?
FlySafair says it has already proactively adjusted its flight schedules and expects no immediate disruptions. Customers who’ve been affected by rescheduled flights have already been contacted. If you haven’t heard from the airline, your flight is most likely operating as planned.
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
What’s this strike about?
The disagreement involves wage and working condition negotiations between FlySafair and its pilot group, represented by the Solidarity union. Solidarity members have reportedly rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation adjustments.
The airline says it’s committed to constructive engagement and respects the rights of its employees to participate in the process.
“It is our responsibility to balance the needs of our people with the long-term sustainability of the company. We remain committed to constructive engagement and thank our customers for their understanding as we navigate this important period,” says Kirby Gordon, FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer.
ICYMI: Cape Town International crowned #1 airport in the world
How to survive rebooking chaos?
If you travel often - especially for business - it helps to have someone in your corner when things go sideways. Travel disruptions like strikes can affect more than just your flight: hotel check-ins, transfers, and onward connections can all unravel. Working with a professional travel manager or service provider means there’s someone who understands airline policies, rebooking options, and how to quickly reorganise your itinerary if needed.
Whether it’s due to a storm, technical glitch or looming industrial action (like the potential FlySafair strike), a cancelled flight can send even the most seasoned traveller into a spiral. But there are ways to avoid the long queues, hold music and missed connections that often follow.
According to Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM South Africa, rebooking is one of the most stressful parts of travel and also one of the most underestimated.
“Even the most efficient service teams struggle when multiple flights go down,” she says. “It’s a knock-on effect — especially at busy airports or on routes with limited frequency.”
Mafojane explained that even the most efficient airports can become bottlenecks during disruptions, noting that "busy hubs like Dubai handle between 2,000 and 2,500 flights a day, which means thousands of passengers may need to be re-accommodated, and if just a few flights are delayed or grounded, the knock-on effects can be significant."
For business and leisure travellers alike, here are her top tips to stay one step ahead when your flight is suddenly scrapped:
Travel expert hacks for smoother rebooking:
- Book the first flight out – more options throughout the day if something goes wrong.
- Choose bigger hubs over smaller airports – they offer more rebooking flexibility.
- Opt for flexible fares – the cheapest ticket could cost you more when plans change.
- Use your airline’s app – get real-time notifications and updated gate info.
- Enable push notifications – you’ll often get alerts before announcements are made.
- Screenshot your boarding pass – just in case connectivity drops.
- Carry a charger – a dead phone will not help you negotiate with ground staff.
- Build buffer time into tight itineraries, especially for multi-leg trips.
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.