FlySafair Cancels 12% of Flights Amid Pilot Strike Over Pay

FlySafair, South Africa’s low-cost carrier, canceled 12% of its scheduled flights on July 21 due to a pilot strike linked to a pay and scheduling dispute. The cancellations followed last-minute pilot absences, with affected passengers contacted directly. All other flights operated as planned, the airline confirmed.

The industrial action is led by the Solidarity trade union, which represents nearly two-thirds of FlySafair’s pilots. The union demands a 10.5% salary increase plus bonuses, which the airline claims would raise pilot compensation by over 20%—a level it calls financially unsustainable. FlySafair has offered a 5.7% increase, 1.5% above inflation, along with additional benefits.

FlySafair defended its pilot pay, stating that captains earn between ZAR1.8 million and ZAR2.3 million (USD102,000–130,000) annually, placing them in South Africa’s top 1% of income earners. The airline also highlighted that pilots flew an average of 63 hours in June, well below the 100-hour monthly limit set by aviation regulators.

The dispute also involves FlySafair’s new rostering system, introduced to improve scheduling efficiency. While the airline says it enhances flexibility, Solidarity argues it negatively affects pilot well-being. Solidarity deputy general secretary Helgard Cronjé said pilots feel “exhausted, ignored, and unappreciated,” citing increased burnout and deteriorating relations with management.

Solidarity claimed FlySafair missed a weekend opportunity to resolve the standoff and only resumed arbitration under public pressure. The union warned that disruptions could continue for up to two weeks unless negotiations resume in earnest. FlySafair says it remains committed to constructive dialogue and passenger service continuity.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com