Picture showing delayed and cancelled FlySafair flights on 16 December 2021. (Victoria O’Regan/Daily Maverick)
(The Post News)- South African travellers were left frustrated and stranded on Monday as FlySafair cancelled 26 flights on the first day of a two-week pilot strike over pay disputes.
The strike, led by trade union Solidarity, comes after failed salary negotiations between the airline and its flight crew. While Solidarity is demanding a 10.5% increase on base salaries, plus additional pay and bonuses, FlySafair is offering a 5.7% increase — a proposal the union has rejected for due to numerous reasons, including unfavourable working conditions.
In an all-time low in their relationship, Solidarity said this drastic strike is the result of pilots feeling “exhausted, ignored, and unappreciated.”
The flights cancelled and delayed major domestic routes such as Cape Town to Johannesburg, flights FA112, FA690, FA104, and Durban to Cape Town, like flight FA179. Other affected routes include Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, and Lanseria.
FlySafair stated that several pilots who had already confirmed their availability to fly withdrew their confirmation late Sunday night, resulting in the cancellations. The airline has contacted all affected passengers directly and said the majority of flights continue as scheduled despite the strike.
FlySafair has reassured the public that it is working to resolve the matter. However, until then, passengers are urged to monitor flight status notifications via SMS, email, or the FlySafair website, and to prepare for potential delays during the strike period, which is expected to last until 4 August 2025.
Please share your thoughts contact Lukhona via email: journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net
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