FlySafair Pilot Strike: Most Flights Operating, 12% Cancelled
Service impact:
On Monday, July 21, approximately 12% of FlySafair flights were cancelled due to a pilot strike in South Africa. A smaller figure (about 8%) was also reported by some media.
Notifications & support:
Passengers affected by cancellations received SMS alerts and are being assisted with rebooking, refunds, and travel alternatives. Information is available on the airline’s Travel Updates webpage.
Strike origins:
The strike stems from a pay dispute with Solidarity, the pilots’ union. They rejected FlySafair’s offer of a 5.7% base salary increase (valued at 11.3% overall) and are demanding a 20.1% total increase, including bonuses and flight pay.
Financial context:
FlySafair reports annual earnings for its captains between R1.8 million and R2.3 million, placing them in the top 1% of earners nationally.
Working hours & workload:
Captains flew an average of 63 hours last month—well below the regulatory limit of 100 hours—showing compliance with industry norms.
Escalation & resolution efforts:
The dispute began with a one-day strike, during which FlySafair instituted a roster “lockout.” Solidarity then extended the action to two weeks. FlySafair continues to engage with the CCMA and the union in hopes of finding a resolution.
Operational normalcy:
Despite the industrial action, Airports Company South Africa reports that airport operations remain unaffected. FlySafair emphasizes its efforts to minimise disruption while balancing fair compensation and affordable fares.
Bottom line:
A strike by Solidarity-affiliated pilots has led to the cancellation of around 12% of FlySafair flights. The dispute centres on wage demands, but most flights are still operating, and FlySafair stresses its commitment both to its staff and to cost-conscious travel for customers.