FlySafair has issued an apology to passengers affected by ongoing flight cancellations due to a pilot strike, which has caused significant disruptions at OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport.
The industrial action involves around 200 FlySafair pilots affiliated with trade union Solidarity, who are demanding a 10.5% salary increase, while the airline has offered 5.7%. The deadlock has led to 26 flight cancellations so far, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated.
Lanseria Airport Hit Hard
At Lanseria International Airport, where FlySafair is the sole operating airline, the impact has been particularly severe. Passengers faced delays and last-minute rebookings after several flights were abruptly canceled.
Christian Far, a representative from Lanseria, confirmed that while FlySafair had provided advance notice of cancellations, some contingency plans fell through, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.
“Yesterday, we had three flights canceled, and today, two out of 12-15 daily flights have been affected,” Far said. “Most disruptions have been on Cape Town routes, while Durban and George flights remain operational.”
Passenger Frustrations Mount
Despite FlySafair’s efforts to keep travelers informed, some passengers arrived at the airport only to find their flights canceled.
“We had about two hours of rebooking chaos yesterday morning,” Far admitted. However, by mid-morning, operations stabilized, and affected passengers were accommodated.
CCMA Mediation Expected
With negotiations at a standstill, both FlySafair and Solidarity are set to meet at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
Meanwhile, the airline has assured passengers that it is working to minimize disruptions. “FlySafair is in direct contact with affected passengers,” Far noted, explaining the relatively calm scenes at Lanseria.
Uncertainty Looms
If the strike continues, further cancellations could disrupt travel plans over the coming days. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
As tensions between the pilots and management persist, travelers and airport officials alike hope for a swift resolution to avoid prolonged travel chaos.