From negotiations to strike to lockout — inside the pilot revolt at FlySafair
Consistently rated Africa's best low-cost carrier, FlySafair faces a two-week pilot strike that has exposed structural fatigue, fractured labour relations and serious questions around how South Africa's most punctual airline balances growth, trust and governance.
At the heart of the dispute: more than 200 pilots – more than two-thirds of FlySafair's crew – who, according to the trade union Solidarity, will down tools on 21 July after wage talks collapsed and a controversial management lockout triggered escalation.
The numbers behind the revolt
The wage dispute follows months of negotiation breakdowns. Solidarity rejected FlySafair's 5.7% offer, demanding a 10.5% increase for 2025/26, with CPI-linked increases for the following two years.
Pilots point to schedule changes that have reduced rest periods and eroded family life. They say they're exhausted, underpaid and pushed beyond reasonable limits.
FlySafair denies that rest or safety are in question. 'Fatigue is not a concern,' said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's chief marketing officer, in written responses to Daily Maverick.
Aviation analyst Guy Leitch told the SABC in an interview earlier on Sunday, 20 July, 'Pilots are complaining, quite simply, of being overworked and underpaid, particularly against their global peers.'
'There's a huge temptation for them to simply go and fly for another airline in another country, but that's not what they want to do.'
Solidarity has framed the issue as not just economic, but ethical. Pilots want better pay, but they also want a return to what the union terms 'respect, fairness and transparency'. The union had not responded to questions from Daily Maverick by the time of publication.
FlySafair disputes this framing. 'This negotiation has been ongoing for a protracted period and has very much followed the guardrails provided by the CCMA and Labour Relations Act, which have seen us walk a process that has delivered us to this point,' said Gordon.
'To reduce the offer to a percentage is reductionist, because pilot remuneration is a complex matter considering various payments and allowances depending on each pilot… The full offer is far more generous and the full counter demand far more onerous.
'It stands to reason that the company simply cannot abide this demand and has thus been forced to walk opposed to it [at] this advanced point in negotiations.'
FlySafair's response to the strike was a lockout. Days before the strike began, the airline barred participating pilots from returning to work for a full seven days. Solidarity called the move 'a deliberately destabilising conflict'.
Leitch was more blunt: 'The one-day strike became a seven-day lockout and then a 14-day stayaway… It's getting worse and worse.'
He warned that the lockout had 'aggravated perceptions of management arrogance' at a time when tensions were already simmering.
Still flying – but for how long?
The airline insists operations remain unaffected. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 16 July , FlySafair said selected flights from 22-28 July were rescheduled 'as a precaution', and that affected passengers would be contacted directly and rebooked at no charge.
But operational strain is real. Leitch estimates FlySafair is operating at around 75% of its normal schedule, with striking pilots replaced by non-unionised or management flight crews. That substitution model, he says, is sustainable for only about a week before fatigue and limits set in.
'The airline can probably operate around 75% of its normal schedule,' he said. 'But the remaining pilots can only absorb extra workloads for about seven days.'
The airline has urged passengers to use the website or app to confirm their itineraries, noting that some flights may be delayed, combined or cancelled.
Meanwhile, mediation efforts are under way – at least on paper. The CCMA has invited both parties to the table. Solidarity has confirmed its willingness to participate. FlySafair has yet to do so publicly.
What this means for you
For the broader public, the story unfolding at South Africa's most reliable airline mirrors wider tensions in labour relations, aviation sustainability and the consequences of running an ultra-lean operation. FlySafair's model isn't one of fiscal austerity, but of aggressive cost discipline – and that model, while profitable, is now under pressure from the very people tasked with keeping it in the air.
The standoff has also taken a more personal turn. Solidarity claims the airline's CEO and CFO have sold off R90-million in shares during the dispute. FlySafair has not commented, but the optics have inflamed internal sentiment.
'It's never a good sign when senior management starts selling off shares,' Leitch said. 'There's a suspicion the airline has made really good money… supported by the massive increase in share price.'
FlySafair's public image has long been one of efficiency, affordability and technical reliability. It's a multiyear Skytrax winner with a 95.1% on-time performance rate. But its internal tensions now risk eroding the very trust on which that reputation is built.
'The airline will undoubtedly be damaged, not just financially, but in terms of labour relations,' Leitch warned. 'It'll break the natural level of good faith and trust between the pilots and management.'
Industry implications
This dispute isn't just about FlySafair. It's a warning bell for the wider aviation sector. Low-cost carriers globally have struggled with similar tensions.
'Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet also face continuous low-key warfare with pilots,' said Leitch. 'It's not unique, but full-scale strikes are rare.'
If not resolved soon, the dispute could spill over. Cabin crew are reportedly watching developments closely. Pilot shortages and international recruitment pressures mean experienced crew may not stick around if trust is lost. DM
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
FlySafair pilots' strike ground flights, sparking social media outrage
The ''tools down'' protest by FlySafair pilots has plunged operations into chaos, grounding flights and sparking a storm of outrage across social media. The chaos was triggered by failed wage talks, leading pilots to stage a tools-down protest that left scores of travellers stuck at airports nationwide. In a statement, FlySafair said that while most of their services remained on schedule, several flights were cancelled due to pilots who had initially agreed to work but later informed the airline, at the last minute, that they would no longer be flying. 'FlySafair confirms that operations continue largely as scheduled today, but unfortunately, a quantity of flights have had to be cancelled today. ''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. 'We thank our teams both on the aircraft and on the ground for their tireless commitment and hard work to ensure that disruptions are minimised as far as possible.' Social media erupted with backlash as frustrated users voiced their anger over the sudden cancellations. One user argued that companies thrive by rewarding employees with a share of profits instead of relying on unions, encouraging a culture of 'perform or exit.' FlySafair apologised for the disruption experienced by their customers and the wider public, assuring that they are working to resolve the situation swiftly. 'We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our loyal customers and the broader flying public. Our goal remains to reach a reasonable resolution quickly, restore trust, and continue building the airline so many South Africans rely on.' Meanwhile, IOL reported that FlySafair said its hands were tied, after the company received last-minute updates from certain pilots informing the carrier that they would not make it to work on Monday morning, forcing the cancellation of at least 26 flights. In an interview with IOL at the OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer for FlySafair, said the interruption of flights is regrettable and has left some passengers stranded. "What we are experiencing at the moment is that we have an industrial action on the part of our pilots; they have embarked on a stay-away strike which started today. They have deemed it to happen for two weeks. "Unfortunately, we had a number of commitments from a number of pilots to be able to cover our schedule today. Late last night, we received information from several of them that they would be unable to fulfil their duties. ''As a result, we have had to cancel 26 of 174 flights today. So there have been cancellations and we apologise very deeply to our customers who have been stranded. Unfortunately, our hands are tied in this regard, because of the industrial action that is going on," he said. As an intervention, Gordon told IOL that Flysafair teams were assisting customers, and in some instances giving refunds. He said the negotiations with Solidarity are still ongoing. "We continue to approach them (the negotiations) with good faith. At this stage, we are still quite far apart. Unfortunately, the unions' demands are very high. They have been speaking about a demand of a 10 percent increase in salaries," said Gordon. "When one considers the full cost-to-company, that's more than 20.1 percent, which at the back of R1.8 to R2 million salary, which puts pilots within the top one percent of earners in this country, you can understand that it is just an untenable position. Earlier, IOL reported about the long queues formed at the FlySafair counters on Monday morning as the airline grappled with industrial action. In an interview with IOL at OR Tambo International Airport, Solidarity's deputy general-secretary, Helgard Cronje, said operations have been impacted by the labour impasse between FlySafair and the union, which Solidarity said has resulted in workers being blocked from working. Solidarity is the union representing FlySafair's pilots. Cronje told IOL that on Thursday, Solidarity gave FlySafair notice for a one-day strike, basically to get them back to the negotiation table. One student who opted not to be identified said he was scheduled to travel to Cape Town, but his flight has been cancelled. He has been put on standby for a flight on Tuesday. 'I have been told that there is no flight today and I must come tomorrow (Tuesday). I am not guaranteed a flight; they said I am on standby. I was told to return to the OR Tambo International Airport at 6 am. This has been frustrating,' he said. Additional Reporting by Jonisayi Maromo
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
FlySafair responds to pilot strike: majority of flights operating, economic context clarified
FlySafair has confirmed that while the majority of its operations remain intact, approximately 12% of scheduled flights have been cancelled today. This follows a late-night withdrawal of availability by several pilots who had previously confirmed their participation in scheduled flights. All affected customers were notified via SMS using the contact details provided at booking. Customers are encouraged to consult the Travel Updates page on for the latest information. Airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements. 'We regret the disruption caused to our customers and are doing everything possible to support those affected,' says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. Dispute overview: a matter of economic sustainability The current industrial action stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of the airline's pilot workforce. While the union has publicly framed its demand as a 10.5% increase in base salary, the full package, including flight pay, bonuses, and other benefits, amounts to a 20.1% increase in total cost to company. By contrast, FlySafair's current offer includes a 5.7% increase on base salary, which is 1.5% above inflation. When fully costed, the offer equates to an 11.29% increase in total cost to company. The airline maintains that this is a fair and responsible offer, particularly in a macroeconomic environment where most businesses are offering increases of 4% or less. 'We must balance competitive pay with the responsibility we have to our 1,700 employees, the affordability we offer South African travellers, and the long-term health of the business,' says Gordon. FlySafair captains currently earn between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, placing them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many earn more than members of the airline's Executive Committee. The airline argues that the union's demands are not only economically unsustainable but also risk undermining the long-term affordability of air travel for South Africans. Pilot utilisation and regulatory compliance Concerns have been raised about pilot workload. However, FlySafair captains averaged 63 hours of flight time last month, well below the regulatory maximum of 100 hours set by the Civil Aviation Authority. For comparison, a standard full-time employee typically works around 160 hours per month. The airline maintains that its pilot utilisation is efficient, compliant, and in line with global aviation norms. Labour relations and escalation The union initially called for a one-day strike, strategically timed to coincide with the end of the school holidays. In response, FlySafair issued a defensive lockout, a standard labour relations mechanism. Due to the nature of airline rostering, this meant affected pilots would not be rostered for seven days. Solidarity then escalated the action to a two-week strike. FlySafair has not rejected CCMA intervention and continues to engage with the commission and the union in good faith. The airline emphasises its commitment to constructive dialogue and resolution. Broader impact and strategic outlook FlySafair acknowledges the disruption caused to customers and is working to minimise the impact. The airline also highlights its responsibility to its 1,700 other employees, whose livelihoods are linked to the company's financial sustainability. 'This is not a position any business wants to be in. We are committed to resolving this matter constructively and quickly, while protecting the long-term viability of the airline and the affordability of air travel in South Africa,' says Gordon. DM
Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Ground control to FlySafair: we have a problem
Long queues, missed appointments, and almost two dozen cancelled flights marked day one of FlySafair's pilot strike, as more than 200 pilots downed their controls in a labour showdown with the airline. However, by the end of the day, the airline had agreed - under pressure - to participate in the mediation process as requested by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). At OR Tambo International Airport, stranded passengers and grounded pilots found themselves on the same side of the runway as fallout collateral damage in the escalating dispute. Turbulence at the top 'They said there weren't any cancellations but I only found out my flight was cancelled this morning,' said Masego, a frustrated traveler who was due to fly to Cape Town. She was one of many travellers queuing at the FlySafair terminals who had been issued vouchers for their missed flights. Masego didn't want to share her full name for fear that FlySafair would decline her request for a refund rather than a flight voucher. The standoff is not just about the two primary tabled issues — pay and rostering — but also a representation of pilots asserting themselves in what they deem an increasingly airline-dominant space post the Covid-19 pandemic. 'This isn't just about the money,' said one FlySafair pilot to Daily Maverick on condition of anonymity. 'We're professionals, not just numbers on a roster.' How much is a pilot worth? Of FlySafair's roughly 300 pilots, about two-thirds are represented by trade union Solidarity and rejected a proposed 5.7% wage increase, instead demanding what Solidarity describes as a 'market-related' adjustment closer to 10.5%. According to data from Payscale and Glassdoor, commercial pilots earn anywhere between R300,000 to well over R1-million — and FlySafair itself has noted that its pilots earn up to R2.3-million per annum. While this appears to be lucrative, a pilot interviewed by Daily Maverick stated that the higher end of salaries was usually reserved for very senior captains, such as a pilot with 20 years' experience, with the median being closer to the R300,000 mark. The second sticking point is the way rosters are structured. According to a pilot, rosters are released on the 24th of each month, typically with five days on, two days off. But last-minute changes mean that even on scheduled off days, pilots struggle to plan their lives. 'It's not like you're knocking off work at 4pm on a Friday,' said one pilot. 'You might get home from that last shift at midnight, and then on Monday your first flight is at 5am.' 'We don't have complete access to the rosters, but the pilots are saying 'I'm tired,'' said Helgard Cronjé , deputy general secretary at Solidarity. 'You can't put a price on missing your kid's rugby match.' FlySafair maintains otherwise. 'Fatigue is not a concern,' said chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon in a previous written response to Daily Maverick. The same reply also stated that 'there are no concerns for flights being disrupted as a result of this industrial action'. This did not turn out to be the case, as at least 26 flights were cancelled on Monday morning, 21 July 2025. Pilots stress that fatigue isn't just a lifestyle issue — it's a safety concern. According to a pilot, many are now flying 90 to 95 hours per month, near the legal maximum. 'That's not sustainable in the long run. People think 90 hours (per month) is nothing because it's less than a nine-to-five job,' said one pilot. 'But they don't realise that flying is mentally and physically demanding. You're in high-stress environments, constantly alert, and that takes a toll.' And it's a toll many no longer want to pay. Pilots estimate 80 colleagues have left the company in the past year, with many heading overseas. FlySafair bowed to pressure after about 90% of pilots affiliated with labour group, Solidarity, declared their willingness to strike. 'FlySafair underestimated how disruptive the lock-out (would) be. It is costing them too much and the passengers are paying the price,' said Cronjé, adding that the airline had indicated it would only be willing to start the negotiation process by Wednesday. 'As a result, thousands more passengers will be affected before FlySafair comes to the table,' she said. Airline dominance Following the Covid-19 pandemic, pilots were furloughed en masse. As aviation resumed, airlines dominated the hiring terms. Pilots say they are now pushing back. Solidarity claims FlySafair refused to provide financial data to justify the wage freeze. 'When we asked for the financials to back this up, they refused,' said Cronjé. 'We believe the company is profitable enough to meet our demands, or at least to come to the table with a better offer.' FlySafair confirmed to Daily Maverick that no such financial disclosures were made, stating that this was not standard practice. 'Salaries are typically determined by market dynamics,' said the company. 'Our pilots are not equity stakeholders — they have not invested capital or assumed financial risk.' Dr Joachim Vermooten, transport economist and former airline executive, told Daily Maverick that low-cost airlines derived profit from high aircraft utilisation and passenger density. He cited European examples as proof that low-cost carriers could be highly profitable. FlySafair, for its part, claims that its current offer, while described as a 5.7% raise, actually constitutes an 11.29% cost-to-company increase. 'This is a generous offer, particularly in a low-inflation environment where many major corporations, including banks, are offering increases closer to 4%,' the airline said. What this means for you If you have booked flights with FlySafair, you should check the updates page before you make plans or even show up at the airport — particularly for flights from Tuesday, 22 July up to and including Monday, 28 July. While FlySafair says contingency crews are in place, delays and cancellations remain likely, and it's likely to be a bumpy journey ahead until the dispute is reconciled. If your flight is affected, you have three choices: Rebook your trip by selecting a different flight on the same route, or pick entirely new flights for a future journey. Cancel your booking and receive a FlySafair voucher for the full value of your original flight. This credit will be loaded to your FlySafair wallet and is valid for 12 months. If you'd prefer a full cash refund instead, you're also welcome to cash out your voucher at any time. The CCMA has been approached to mediate the matter, which might result in a faster resolution.
