South Africa’s low-cost airline FlySafair continues to operate a full flight schedule despite an active labour dispute with the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA). The company confirmed that it has not cancelled or altered any routes even after wage negotiations with cabin crew collapsed earlier this week, prompting a strike by union members and a lockout initiated by management.
The conflict emerged following months of negotiations over pay and working conditions. SACCA, which represents roughly two-thirds of FlySafair’s cabin crew, accused the airline of failing to meet reasonable demands that would reflect the increasing cost of living and rising workload. The union has highlighted concerns around roster scheduling, overtime pay, and what it describes as unfair treatment of crew who raise operational grievances.
FlySafair, for its part, has defended its wage proposal as fair and sustainable. The company says it offered a 5.7 percent salary increase, a 7.5 percent annual bonus, and adjustments for experience and allowances. According to FlySafair, this offer was made in good faith and aligned with the airline’s financial capacity in a difficult economic climate marked by high fuel costs and currency fluctuations.
When the two sides failed to reach a compromise, FlySafair issued a notice of lockout, and SACCA declared a strike beginning Monday night. Despite the escalation, the airline insists that operations remain unaffected. Flights across all domestic routes, including key connections between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, are proceeding as scheduled. The company says it has sufficient staffing from crew who accepted its wage offer and from non-union members, ensuring that no flights have been cancelled or delayed due to the dispute.
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, said the airline remains committed to dialogue and is hopeful that the dispute will be resolved through further engagement. “Our cabin crew are essential to our success, and we respect their right to representation,” Gordon said in a statement. “We have made every effort to reach a fair agreement that recognises the contribution of our staff while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our business. We continue to engage with SACCA and relevant authorities to find common ground.”
The union, however, has accused FlySafair of taking an aggressive stance by enforcing a lockout while negotiations were still possible. SACCA’s deputy president, Christopher Shabangu, said the strike was a last resort. “We did not want to reach this point, but management’s unwillingness to address fundamental issues of fairness and compensation left us with no choice,” he said. “Our members love their work, but they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.”
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is expected to intervene in the coming days in an effort to facilitate talks and avoid prolonged disruption. Labour analysts say both parties have strong incentives to find a swift resolution. For FlySafair, maintaining uninterrupted service is crucial to preserving customer trust and competitiveness in the domestic market. For SACCA, demonstrating unity and securing tangible gains is essential to maintaining credibility with its members.
So far, passengers have reported no interruptions to flights or delays related to the strike, and airports have confirmed that FlySafair operations are proceeding normally. Travel experts note, however, that if the dispute drags on, fatigue among remaining crew or growing union solidarity could lead to short-notice schedule changes. The airline has advised passengers to monitor their flight status closely through official channels and to arrive early at airports in case of unforeseen disruptions.
The FlySafair dispute comes amid wider challenges in the South African aviation industry, where airlines are under pressure to manage rising costs while meeting employee expectations. As the country’s most successful low-cost carrier, FlySafair has built a strong reputation for punctuality and affordability. The outcome of the current standoff will likely serve as a bellwether for how the sector balances labour relations with operational efficiency in the years ahead.
For now, FlySafair continues to reassure customers that it remains “fully operational” and committed to resolving the conflict without compromising service quality. Both sides appear entrenched but have left the door open to further mediation. The coming weeks will determine whether South Africa’s most punctual airline can maintain its record while navigating one of its toughest labour challenges to date.
