FlySafair confirms operational disruptions amid labour dispute

by Staff Bona

FlySafair has confirmed that several of its flights were cancelled on Monday after some pilots who had previously confirmed their availability informed the airline late on Sunday night that they would not report for duty.

While most operations continued as scheduled, the airline acknowledged the disruptions and said affected passengers had been contacted directly.

This comes as tensions mount between FlySafair and trade union Solidarity over wage and scheduling disputes that have led to industrial action by pilots.

Despite the cancellations, the airline said all other flights are operating as planned and that customers will be notified promptly of any further disruptions.

FlySafair thanked its staff for working to minimise the impact on passengers, while also issuing a detailed statement defending its position in the dispute.

“FlySafair pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in the country,” the airline said, noting that captains earn between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually—placing them in the top 1% of South African earners.

The airline added that many pilots earn more than members of its executive committee, and their workload averages 63 flying hours per month — well below the legal limit of 100 hours. Standby duty, FlySafair stressed, is served from home under minimal restrictions.

At the heart of the standoff is Solidarity’s demand for a 10.5% increase on base salaries, along with flight pay and bonuses. According to FlySafair, the full package of demands would raise the overall cost to company by over 20% — a figure the airline says is unsustainable.

FlySafair has offered a 5.7% increase in base pay—1.5% above inflation—which it says totals an 11.29% increase in cost to company when additional benefits are factored in.

Another major point of contention is a pilot rostering system introduced in early 2024, which FlySafair says brings South Africa in line with global airline standards.

The system “allows pilots to receive their full monthly rosters by the 20th of the preceding month, enabling personal planning and scheduling. It also includes a preferential leave bidding process and a structured marketplace to facilitate duty swaps within regulated flight and duty limits”.

The airline says Solidarity’s efforts to amend the system would undermine its efficiency and competitiveness.

“The demands being made are, in their current form, economically unfeasible and would erode the airline’s competitive advantage,” the company said.

FlySafair reiterated its commitment to engaging with pilots in good faith while ensuring the financial sustainability of the business and keeping fares affordable for South African travellers.

The airline said consultations over the rostering system began in March and efforts to resolve the dispute continue. It has not disclosed the full details of its latest offer out of respect for its pilot team but said it believes its position is fair and responsible.

The pilot strike, which could last for two weeks, is expected to continue affecting operations if no agreement is reached.

 

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: ‘Unvalued and ignored’ FlySafair pilots raise alarm on working conditions