FlySafair has confirmed the cancellation of several flights on Monday, leaving scores of passengers stranded. 

This comes after pilots ‘downed tools’ over a wage dispute.

“These flights were assigned to pilots who had confirmed their availability to fly, but who late last night, reported that they would not fly. All other flights are operating as planned, and affected customers have been contacted directly using details provided at the time of booking.

“Should there be further disruptions, customers will be notified promptly,” the airline said in a statement.

According to Solidarity, which has been speaking on behalf of disgruntled pilots, almost two-thirds of the pilots are dissatisfied with salary negotiations and working conditions.

Basically the messages you sent reassuring us our flights will go unaffected are a lie.
Tomorrow more may change their minds.
We don’t book flights with your pilots, we book flights with you.
Stop involving us in your internal messiness.
Pay your people properly and end this! pic.twitter.com/LlEQLT0PWV

— osiris (@osiristhe1) July 21, 2025

@FlySafair surely you knew before 10:53pm that our flight tomorrow was going to be cancelled owing to strike action?

(See image for time sent) 😡 pic.twitter.com/5ilhm82k9m

— Hilan Berger (@hilanb18) July 20, 2025

Solidarity stated that in a recent poll, almost 84% of Solidarity members rejected FlySafair’s current proposal – clearly reflecting the deep disappointment and frustration of the pilots.

“The pilots feel exhausted, ignored and unappreciated. According to Helgard Cronjé, deputy general secretary at Solidarity, there is a growing sense of neglect and burnout among members, as well as a crumbling relationship between crew and management,” Solidarity said. 

FlySafair claims that its pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in South Africa, with captains earning between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually.

Solidarity is demanding a 10.5% increase on base salaries, as well as additional flight pay and bonuses.

FlySafair said while this demand is already perceived as steep, it’s important to note that when factoring in the additional demands, the total impact amounts to more than a 20% increase in overall cost to the company—an unsustainable escalation for any company.

“In terms of workload, FlySafair Captains spent an average of 63 hours last month in the cockpit flying passengers. This is well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority, IATA, and ICAO, which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month,” the airline added.

FlySafair added that it is working to resolve the issues.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL

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