If you’re flying with FlySafair this week, here’s the short version: check your flight status before you leave for the airport. The airline is currently locked in wage negotiations with its pilots, and while operations continue for the most part, some flights have now been cancelled at the last minute due to unexpected pilot no-shows.
FlySafair says it had already reassigned pilots and adjusted its schedule proactively, but several crew members who had confirmed availability to fly changed course late last night, leaving the airline with no choice but to ground certain flights today (18 July). All other flights are still operating as planned.
Affected customers are being contacted directly using the details provided when booking. The airline has also said it will notify travellers immediately should further disruptions arise.
While travellers are understandably frustrated, the airline is encouraging passengers to make changes online at no additional cost via the Manage Booking portal.
What to do if your flight is affected
Travel expert Mummy Mafojane, GM of FCM South Africa, says the best way to deal with disruptions like this is to stay one step ahead:
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Use the airline app – it’s your best bet for up-to-date info and alerts.
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Rebook early – earlier flights have more backup options if things go sideways.
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Get travel insurance – especially if this is a work trip or has tight connections.
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Take screenshots – of your boarding pass, loyalty status and booking confirmations.
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Pack a charger – because nothing adds to travel stress like a dead phone.
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Don’t panic – call the airline, or reschedule online if you can.
What's the strike about?
In a rare move, FlySafair has opened up about the bones of contention behind the scenes. Here's what’s going on:
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Pilots are demanding a 10.5% salary increase, along with extra bonuses and flight pay.
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FlySafair is offering 5.7%, which they say actually amounts to an 11.29% total cost-to-company increase when bonuses and benefits are added.
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The company argues that this is 1.5% above inflation and in line with balancing pilot compensation with the financial stability of the airline and affordability for customers.
And just to put things in perspective: FlySafair Captains reportedly earn between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually, placing them in South Africa’s top 1% of earners—some even making more than executives at the airline.
What's the roster system?
Another key point of tension is a new pilot rostering system that FlySafair introduced in early 2024. According to the airline, it’s a system used across the globe and allows pilots to:
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Get their schedules earlier each month
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Swap duties more easily
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Apply for leave using a bid-based system
The airline says the system was meant to give pilots more flexibility while also improving efficiency. But Solidarity, the pilot union, wants changes—ones FlySafair claims would undermine that flexibility and their ability to keep ticket prices down.
What now?
The situation is still evolving, and FlySafair says it remains committed to working in good faith to resolve the dispute while protecting its long-term ability to offer safe, reliable, and affordable domestic flights.
If you’re travelling between now and 28 July, don’t leave things to chance. Check your booking, plan ahead, and maybe pack a snack, just in case.